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October
30, 2003
Alternative
giving helps local charity
AREA–Stories abound of brides and grooms requesting donations to their favorite charity instead of the obligatory gravy boat wedding gift or families that decide to donate their car instead of trading it in at the dealership. It’s called alternative giving and most people are familiar with the concept, but relatively few have implemented it in their own life.
Recently, a local woman seized an alternative giving opportunity by asking her birthday party guests to donate items or money to Shelter House in place of a birthday gift. Her invitation requested guests “. . . please bring a gift large or small for Shelter House, a local emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Their needs are great and their work is so good.”
The guests seemed to like the idea of helping out a wonderful charity instead of spending money on, as one guest put it, “just another birthday gift.” They exceeded their mission and donated several hundred dollars and items essential to maintaining confidential shelter services. Examples of items donated include paper products, phone cards, hair care and beauty products, and non-perishable foods. Several guests requested that the party become a yearly event.
Shelter House is the state-certified domestic violence shelter serving victims of domestic violence in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Services provided include 24-hour hotline, crisis counseling, advocacy, outreach and confidential shelter.
“It takes constant support to maintain the quality and amount of services that we offer to the community,”
Shelter House Executive Director Beth Risch said. “We’re excited when people come to us with innovative ways to assist Shelter House because it takes all levels of support to keep us operational,” she added.
Besides monetary donations – which are always welcome – Shelter House maintains a wish list of items that clients need on a regular basis including vitamins, underwear, personal care items, diapers, art supplies, household items, detergents, bleach, cleaning products, gift certificates, stamps, phone cards and paper products.
If alternative giving options sound interesting, here are some more ideas for giving with a twist:
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- Donate your vehicle instead of trading it in or selling it. You can write off the donation and it will be extremely valuable to the person who needs to get to work.
- Remember Shelter House when you draw up your will. It’s not a pleasant subject, but neither is domestic violence and by remembering Shelter House in this way ensures your legacy to future generations.
- Request that guests at your birthday party bring donations instead of gifts for the host. This same concept can carry over to any party or get together where gifts are exchanged (i.e., Christmas parties, housewarming parties, engagement parties, showers, weddings and more). Or, throw Shelter House a birthday party in January and collect money and items for Shelter House.
- Sponsor a family at Christmas time. Contact Shelter House at 243-1201 for more information.
- Donate money monthly to Shelter House. Just think of it as one of your bills – we’ll even invoice you, if you like.
- Encourage your family to give to Shelter House this Christmas instead of giving gifts. You could give one lump sum or make a commitment to sponsor five days of shelter, pay the electric bill for the month or some other variation. Just call Shelter House at 243-1201 to discuss options.
- Consolidating your assets? Consider giving Shelter House property or other assets that you’re thinking about eliminating from your portfolio. Again, it’s tax deductible and we’ll gladly take over responsibility for those property taxes.
- Encourage your kids to get creative and encourage them to give back to their community. Tell
them what Shelter House needs and why. Then let them figure out how to convince their friends and neighbors to get involved.
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| If you feel that a family member or intimate partner is endangering your physical or emotional safety or if you know someone experiencing this in their home, call Shelter House’s hotline at 1-800-44-ABUSE, or 850-863-4777. |
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