Spread Joy Throughout the World

 

Oxfam International

While "Less is More" seems to be the carol this season, not "Deck the Halls" it's still important to remember those with greater need than ours. There are many simple ways to give;
ways that do make a difference. A small contribution can make a global impact if you view it as part of a collective effort. So, whether you'll be home for the holidays, roughing it on the road or globe trotting, here are some simple global gift ideas.

• Volunteer at your time at a local charity or school
• Spring clean now and donate to AmVets or Goodwill
• Panera Bread doesn't accept tips for service. Their "tip"  box donations go to local charities
• Still have things sitting in the boxes from last year that a child or a senior might enjoy? Bring an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots or to a place like Perkins Restaurants for a senior citizen
• There are the Salvation Army kettles everywhere
• Round up purchases to the next $ for charity at stores like JCPenny 
• Buy a global gifts to help others sustain a living from organizations like Oxfam International. Who knew manure was a gift? But it is, for $12.
• Make a donation in memory of a deceased family member or friend. A personalized bereavement card will be sent to the bereaved family to an organization like Red Cross
• Think you have nothing to give, think again, donating blood or becoming an organ donor is an enormous gift!
• Donate your time to a local shelter, a community garden or a place like some of my favorites ECHO's Global Farm in Fort Myers, FL

There are so many ways to spread hope this season.

From my family to you -
Wishing you a safe, blessed & joyous season!

ECHO's Global Farm

 

Amvets Donations

Panera Bread Donation Boxes

Donation Centers

Toys For Tots

The Salvation Army

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I read somewhere that the annual celebration is mostly about pounding beer as long as you can stay upright. Partiers will revel 'til the wee hours of the morning over their heritage, adopted or true, then stumble home (designated driver at the helm, please) their green boas and goofy glasses still partially intact.

But will they remember you come morning?

For those of us in the business of marketing establishments that sell Guinness, Bushmills and even green beer, St. Patrick's Day is a true pot of gold. If you're not being proactive you could end up with Leprechaun gold – fools gold or vanishing gold. Call it what you want if you're a one day hit wonder you're wasting a golden opportunity. St. Patrick's Day is a business opportunity. Let me say that again, St. Patrick's Day is a golden business opportunity! It is not just a day to rake in the reveler's cash at the tap. Meaning – if you're going to throw the party make sure you're remembered, or should I say retweeted. It's time to get out your green thumbs, and I don't mean the one's that plant flowers. It's time to be social about it - text, tweet, tag, pin and post. The idea is to get everyone talking before and after. Create a buzz! (pun intended) It's just common sense that the longer they're talking about you the better they'll remember you. And let's not forget, in this digital age, they'll tell 20 friends (especially if they're in the photo) and they'll tell 20 friends and 100's, 1000's even, will hear about you.

How will they remember you?

A word of caution: If you're not tweeting, pinning and posting, someone else is bound to be. So then the question is, Who's going to be in control of what's spread about you? Is it the guy with the photo of his friend the town idiot who just happened to make a fool of himself at your bar? Or will it be you with great posts of the nights highlights – your great food and beverage concoctions, photo's of your happy customers, the festivities and decor, recipes, giveaways and more?

Happy St. Patrick's Day 
- here's to your pot of gold going viral!