THE GIVING TREE: Capturing a Year of Giving
By Lynn Frankenfield, Cleaning For A Reason Executive Director
The holidays are a time of giving, but at the same time it’s easy to get swept up in the materialism of the season. As a Cleaning For A Reason partner, you generously give of your time all year long and that’s why it’s important in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays and our daily lives to reflect on the year’s accomplishments both personally and professionally.
One way to do this is by creating a “Giving Tree.” Start with a store bought holiday tree, plant, or even just cut branches in a vase. Consider making tags or ornaments at a staff meeting to include the names of the women you have so generously provided the gift of a clean home to during the year.
Employees can create their own version of a tag or ornament to honor a woman they cleaned for, while sharing with your group personal stories about the impact that cleaning for a woman battling cancer had on them as well as the patient. This simple activity allows co-workers to hear firsthand the impact that you, your company, and the staff make on a daily basis for those in need.
Think of this activity as a team building and bonding experience for everyone involved. Some of your team members may have never had the opportunity to clean for a patient. Consider taking a team photo in front of your tree to post on social media and in your newsletter. This is a great way to share with current and prospective clients how your company has a culture of giving back. You may consider contacting someone in the media to share your powerful story of giving during a time of year when we all should take a moment to realize the importance of paying it forward.
Cleaning For A Reason is so grateful to all of our cleaning partners for making a difference in the lives of women battling cancer right in your own communities. On behalf of the women we serve, THANK YOU! You are truly the heartbeat of our foundation.
