7 ways to give back on Giving Tuesday 2017

Thanksgiving kicks off a time of year when we all feel compelled to give just a little bit more back to those who need it most. At Dental Lifeline Network, we’re especially fond of #GivingTuesday, which takes place each Tuesday after Thanksgiving (2017’s date: November 28) and encourages those who are getting into the holiday spirit to consider bringing that cheer over to nonprofits — and those who benefit from their work.

For those in the dental profession, there are a number of ways to give back, 365 days a year. To make Giving Tuesday 2017 extra memorable, however, here are 7 ideas for making the season a little sweeter (without the risk of cavities).

1. Host a toy or food drive in your office

   Encourage patients who come in between Giving Tuesday and Christmas to bring in a nonperishable food item or new, unwrapped toy to donate to a local food bank or children’s hospital. You can even send an email to your patients who are due for a cleaning but have yet to book as a means of encouraging them to get that appointment on their calendar while also doing some good.

2. Consider matching all donations made on Giving Tuesday

   To get your whole practice in the giving spirit, consider matching donations made up to a certain amount on Giving Tuesday. If you were planning on making a donation at the end of the year anyway, this is the perfect way of making a game out of it.

3. Non-monetary matches are fun, too

   You can also make it a challenge! For every $25, $50, or $100 your practice raises, for example, you could offer to do something to lighten the mood in the office. Since we’re talking winter, something akin to the Ice Bucket Challenge may not be the best idea. But you can always promise one karaoke cover of ABBA for every $50 in the pot.

4. Crowdfund as a practice

   Setting up on a platform like Crowdrise will allow your office to rally around a cause and for each member of your practice to fundraise among their circles. You can even post the link on your website and in your waiting area as a subtle nudge to patients waiting for their appointments. (Hint: Dental Lifeline Network is a registered 501c3…)

5. Share your #Unselfie

   Whatever cause you choose to support on #GivingTuesday, don’t forget to share your #Unselfie on social media. If your practice has its own social media presence, this is a great occasion to get some extra eyeballs by coopting into two popular hashtags.

6. Volunteer as a team

   Okay, doing this on Giving Tuesday may not be totally possible, but even if it takes a few extra days, consider taking the time together outside of office hours to spend an afternoon at a soup kitchen or in a nursing home. It’s a great teambuilding — and team-bonding — experience.

7. Up the ante on volunteering

   Donating your most important resource — your time — doesn’t have to be reserved for one day a year. Clearing up painful dental infections helps others do everything from being able  to eat again to rejoining the workforce. Volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program will make a life-changing difference for the people we serve. Click here to learn more about volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network.

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