Ideas & Suggestions

Oftentimes, the will is there to volunteer, but between busy work schedules, family commitments and perhaps some much needed quiet time, we feel overwhelmed when contemplating lending a hand.  Because of that, we have provided some suggestions that you may find very doable and fun, but will also help those in need.  We hope these suggestions inspire your creative side in forming the perfect volunteer/campaign for your business and lifestyle, and, if so, please share your event with HPBA.  It may be the inspiration other HPBA-members need to plan a community enrichment activity in their area.

To begin the process, we offer the following suggestions:

• Hold a simple canned food drive. Dealers can help restock local food banks by offering discounts or a free accessory to customers who purchase products when they bring in a designated number of canned goods. Spread the word through advertisements, over the Internet, Twitter and signs in your store.

In addition to food, there are many "drives" that you can hold:  clothes, books, back-to-school items.

• Create campaigns and donate a percentage of each sale sold during a specific period of time whether it is a week, two weeks, or a month to your favorite charity.

• Hold or host barbecue fundraisers/demonstrations at your store to bring in the customers and the donations.

• Ask your staff for their favorite local charity and designate that person to lead a local "Charity of the Month" campaign with a percentage of proceeds, or funds raised, going towards it.

• Animal lovers might want to partner with the local humane society to bring in some animals that are up for adoption during store hours.

This is just a short list of suggestions.  There are many ways in which you can help your local community.  Please check with your local schools, libraries, fire and police departments and chambers of commerce to find the volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule.  We have also provided a list of websites where you may find exactly what you're looking to do.