This Christmas, I am looking forward to giving gifts to my friends and family. I love to see the smiles on their faces as they unwrap their presents. My favorite gifts to give are the ones that I make. I enjoy experimenting with new forms of art and giving my art projects away as gifts to friends and family. I will be giving a few pieces of my art to my best friends this Christmas. I think the gifts you are able to make  yourself are the best and most meaningful gifts of all. Instead of picking something up at the mall, you are giving something that speaks from the heart. You don’t have to be the most creative or artistic person in the world to give something handmade either – it could be as simple as a picture frame with a picture of your loved ones already placed inside, or a photo book you created, or a tied fleece blanket. It is the thought that counts and adding your personal touch makes a gift special and memorable.

While I appreciate the creativity individuals bring to their Christmas gifts, I also have appreciation for the creativity United Ways have brought to their giving projects this holiday season.

As the Web/Social Media Coordinator for Perspectives, I am responsible for connecting with United Ways through the Web and social media. On Twitter, I have seen a few great examples of United Ways who are using their creativity to reach out and connect to the community:

United Way of the National Capital Area (@UWNCA) tweeted that they donated hundreds of books and toys and other goods to over 50 of their members across the National Capital Area.

United Way of Lake County (@UWLC) tweeted that community members should stop at their local mall to get Christmas presents wrapped by United Way volunteers.

United Way of the Greater Triangle (@UWTriangle) tweeted a story about an eight-year-old boy who had never had a Christmas tree and their efforts to provide him with one this year. Check it out here

These are all great ways to creatively connect with your community. Make it a priority for your United Way to be seen in your community this holiday season.

One nonprofit organization that makes an effort to be seen in the community during the holidays is The Salvation Army. Almost everybody knows about The Salvation Army bell ringers and the Red Kettle campaign. We want United Ways to be known just as well as The Salvation Army is during the holiday season. Be creative and spread the word about your United Way, while connecting with your community.

From our team at Perspectives to your United Way team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    and the team at Perspectives