Social Responsibility | Gifting that Gives

Special Circumstances Require More Thoughtful Gift-Giving Solutions

There is no shortage of need in the world, and many companies want to extend a helping hand. Hillary’s has helped these organizations “give back” in meaningful, relevant ways through social gift-giving. While there are many examples that follow, we are exceptionally proud to be making an ongoing difference for families who rely on food shelves. Seeing the need for a sustainable initiative in this area, Hillary’s developed a partnership with Second Harvest Heartland in 2011 that continues to benefit those in need. We have found a meaningful way to give back to our community that is bigger than any one individual or company can accomplish alone.

A gift card that explains the program accompanies a gift basket of tasty treats.

For our clients whose territory and/or clients fall outside the areas served by Second Harvest Heartland, Hillary’s donates proceeds to the Feeding America hunger-relief organization. In addition to our donated proceeds, the program has generated greater awareness of the situation and the need for individual donations.

Giving from the heart

National tragedies touch all of us. However, the magnitude of September 11, 2001, was incomparable. Corporate America responded with a sensitivity focused on those whose lives were drastically changed. I know this because I received a flurry of inquiries from companies seeking advice about how to thank employees and clients during the approaching holiday season. Callers did not want to abandon their tradition of honoring those who helped make their business successful, yet the sadness and horror of the event cast a shadow over celebrations and seasonal gifts.

The dilemma: How to convey gratitude in a tangible, meaningful way that also recognizes the grief associated with the incident and supports those who were directly affected. While we regularly solve our clients’ needs for meaningful, relevant ways to convey gratitude, we were challenged by these special circumstances.

The solution: After much deliberation, our team came up with an innovative solution that our clients embraced—“United We Stand”, a package filled with red, white and blue sweet and salty treats. We created a sentiment about remembering those who were lost and honoring those who were working on relief and rebuilding efforts. A portion of the proceeds of each gift was donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in NYC, and earmarked for the lower Manhattan New York Fire Department, which lost so many during rescue efforts.

Localized relevance

Four years later, Hurricane Katrina paralyzed New Orleans, causing severe loss of life and property when the levee system catastrophically failed.

The dilemma: How to help provide relief for those who lost everything, honor first responders, and support rebuilding efforts.

The solution: Hillary’s created “Faith, Hope, Strength”—a meaningful gift presentation of snacks with a southern flavor. Our clients sent this gift in recognition of any number of occasions. A portion of the proceeds was donated to New Orleans’ Habitat for Humanity.

The result: Overwhelmingly positive and inspirational for both givers and receivers

When the Red River Valley flooded in the Spring of 2009, we created a “Red River Relief” package to support the affected community and recognize volunteers’ and the National Guard’s tireless rescue and rebuilding. A gift basket filled with sweet and salty treats represented the crops and livestock from this agricultural basin. Donated proceeds went to the Minn-Kota Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Partnership for sustainable recognition and giving back

Some tragedies cut deeper than a single event. The economy of 2008-2009 found many turning to their local food shelf to feed their families. Requests outpaced inventory. In our effort to support our community, express compassion for those in need, Hillary’s created a gift basket filled with sweet and salty treats. Donated proceeds went to the MN Emergency Food Shelf Network Baskets of Hope program, which provides traditional Thanksgiving and December holiday meals to families that would otherwise go without.

We are problem solvers and innovators when it comes to conveying gratitude in a meaningful way that recognizes those who are important to business success. Social gift-giving is an option that demonstrates commitment to a corporate value focused on community and social responsibility. For relevant gift-giving ideas that will inspire and wow recipients, call us.

Toll free: 800-742-6800      In Minneapolis/St. Paul: 952-933-8365     www.askhillarys.com