Michigan's Top Communicators Provide Holiday Giving Tips

December 15, 2004 (Detroit, MI) - Members of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Detroit chapter played Santa this year and donated nearly 200 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Members donated a variety of toys Ð from sports equipment and trains to dolls and books during a three-hour holiday fundraising event at Bastone's Cinq in Royal Oak on Dec. 1.

"Toys for Tots earned its place in our hearts as one of the holiday season's most effective programs for reaching children,Ó said Mary Gabriel, IABC/Detroit programs committee member. ÒThese toys make Christmas memorable for many Michigan children. This effort between the U.S. Marine Corps and community members represents the true meaning of Christmas."

Each holiday season, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to needy children in the community. The toys collected by IABC/Detroit will be donated to children in the Detroit area. For nearly 60 years, Marines have distributed more than 313 million toys to 151 million children. IABC/Detroit is proud to support this worthy endeavor.

IABC/Detroit members continue giving even after the holidays are over. In May 2004, members raised nearly $2,000 for the Michigan chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help find a cure for the disease. And in 2005, IABC/Detroit will continue its Professional & Business Literacy program that educates students' understanding of their career options and helps them better understand the work world.

Does your organization want to give back to its community? IABC/Detroit recommends how to choose a charity:
1. Survey your members for favorite charities. Many members may have an emotional attachment or affiliation with a cause or organization they would like to support.
2. Consider your resources. Choose a charity that you can use your resources to help make a meaningful impact.
3. Set a goal. How much can you raise? Will the donations go to your community or statewide?
4. Do a site visit or have an informational presentation. This will help educate members about the cause, expose them to the people they will help, and make a more personal connection with the organization.
5. Engage your members. Constant exposure and encouragement for the cause will help ensure your fundraising is successful.

IABC/Detroit, one of the largest chapters of the 13,000 member International Association of Business Communicators, connects more than 250 professional communicators to the people, resources and knowledge necessary to advance their communication careers. The chapter, which includes members in Michigan, Ohio and Canada, holds monthly professional development programs; sponsors workshops; offers job referral services, informative publications, award programs, accreditation programs, and the opportunity to meet and network with other communicators. For information on membership, visit www.iabc.com. Additional information on the chapter and its free electronic job referral service for employers is available at www.iabcdetroit.com or by calling IABC/Detroit's Executive Secretary Nancy Skidmore at 248-546-5490.