Senior Wishes/UCHS’ Post

Every so often, generous friends or family members gift my kids money for birthdays or Christmas. When that happens, I find myself asking, What’s the best way to handle this gift?🎁 There are plenty of meaningful ways to put that money to good use… And that’s exactly what I’ll be writing about today! ➡️https://lnkd.in/eDp-TJHi

On this National Stress Awareness Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of giving back. The simple act of helping others can significantly ease the holiday stress for families in need. By supporting Marine Toys for Tots, you’re not just spreading joy to children; you’re also lightening the holiday burden for many. This season, instead of stressing over gift lists, let’s focus on making a difference. Find out how you can help: https://lnkd.in/gbQkvrnr

With the high costs of daily essentials, low-income families across our community are facing impossible choices this holiday season. Choices like deciding between buying Christmas gifts for their children, putting food on the table, or keeping the lights on.     Together, we can fill in the gaps and meet local needs. Discover more about how you can do your part to give back: https://lnkd.in/gF-zRMjz   #SalvationArmy  

Holiday season is filled with joy and excitement, but it can also stretch your budget during what often becomes the most expensive time of the year. Especially in families with young children, it can be hard to rein in the impulse to get everything on the wish list. Here are a couple of tips that might help, while also teaching your children a little about money: Make a list of people you need to buy gifts for and set a budget for each person. If you’re shopping with children, try to shop with cash (and only bring enough cash to cover the things on your list). It’s easier to demonstrate the value of money when using cash instead of credit or debit, and allows your shopping buddy to ensure they are keeping the budget on track.  In addition, planning a family volunteer activity can help shift the focus away from material goods while making lasting memories together and building a new tradition. These are just some ideas to help you and your family enjoy a less stressful season. #happyholidays #kidsandmoney

So, you want to make a gift to your child, but you have questions. Why should I give? When, what and how should I give? Will gifts impact the self-esteem and initiative of the child? Can a gift plan transfer values to my child? Learn about the ‘why’, ‘when’, and other points in our short article. https://buff.ly/3y9HU8M

You want your appeal letter to get to folks before Thanksgiving. That means you need to get your mailing to the post office the day after Election Day. Time is of the essence! If you are doing your appeal yourself, keep in mind the story formula: The Community has a Problem, Your Organization has a Solution, but Donor Dollars are needed to Implement. Follow this pattern for a successful appeal message. Make sure you have the logistics figured out: How are you going to get the appeal printed, stuffed, and to the post office. Maybe you are thinking... there has to be a better way- If that is the case for you, head over to www.amponow.com and create your appeal through the website. It will take less than 30 minutes and you will be able to check year end appeal off your things to do list. Give it a try. Amy #AMPO

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for young children who will be eager to see what Santa has left them under the tree. Along with their gifts, your child may receive money that could be put towards long-term goals and milestones. So, here are three ways you could use your child’s Christmas money to build a nest egg - https://bit.ly/3W1F5zu #NestEgg #NewYear #Christmas #Presents #MoneyManagement

The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program still needs to adopt angels, and time is running out! This program brings holiday joy to over 3,400 underprivileged children in Broward County, but we need your help to make it happen. By adopting an angel, your organization can make a difference for children who might not otherwise receive a gift this holiday season. Each angel represents a real child in our community with unique needs. Participating is simple – decide how many employees would like to purchase a gift for a child, and we'll take care of the rest. We suggest a gift budget of $25 to $30 per child. Here’s how it works: - Angel tags include the child’s name, age, and gift request. - You can display or distribute the tags on a Christmas tree to participants. - Participants purchase the requested gift and return it unwrapped with the angel tag attached. - All gifts must be returned between December 3rd and 9th to allow our team to process and distribute them by December 19. Your commitment by Wednesday, October 18th is vital to ensuring that no child goes without a gift this holiday season Please contact us at denisse.mollfulleda@uss.salvationarmy.org to register your organization or for more information.

Your year end giving things to do list is long and maybe starting to feel a bit overwhelming. Let's concentrate on your year end appeal. You are going to want to drop it in the mail on the day after Election Day. So this is the week to make sure that it is written so you can get it printed and ready to go. When you are writing your letter, keep in mind the story formula: your community has a problem, your organization has a solution, but the only way the solution can get implemented is with donor dollars. The story you want to tell will cast a vision for the future. What additional impact will happen because someone gives to your organization? This appeal has a single purpose- asking for a gift. Do not clutter your message with an invite to an upcoming event, or a request for volunteers. One purpose - an ask for a gift. Use you language. Avoid using the words "we" and "our". Make this letter about your donor. Your gift will... etc. and Remember that you want your mail piece to go to the post office the day after Election Day! Good luck and let me know how it is going. Amy #AMPO

What's the best way to ask for gift contributions to your child's Future Scholar 529 account? We've assembled some ideas to help you out! 🔹 Make sure loved ones know that you've opened an account. 🔹 Include it on cards and birthday party invitations. 🔹 Put it at the top of your child's wish list. Get more tips from our blog: https://lnkd.in/eWwgtKEt