Customer Service: Let’s dig deeper for local charities, non-profits in need

Give until it feels good.

The activity, advertising and commercialism of the holiday season are already upon us. In between reports about how dire our economic situation is, we find ad after ad promoting the hottest sale of this chilly season.

Although I don’t believe times are quite so bad as we’re told, one thing I can say for sure is that local charities and non-profit organizations are feeling the pinch. Donations are down, as is the take at almost every charitable event I’ve known of this year, and demand is up as organizations scramble to care for the ever-growing lines at their doors.

Some of my passions are families, animals and the arts. Here are a few local organizations that I like to support for their work in those areas. They offer creative suggestions for gifts for self and others, along with ways you can help support their important work. If you don’t find the perfect suggestion here, seek out a group that supports a cause close to your heart. It will be the best gift you give and get this holiday season.

Family Counseling Center of Missouri | 117 N. Garth, Columbia – (573) 443-2204

fccmo.org

The mission of Family Counseling Center of Missouri is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities by helping people make positive changes in their lives and empowering them to make healthy and effective choices. Quality Improvement & Marketing director Susan M. Schopflin shared the need for volunteers to help transfer curricula to PowerPoint presentations. She also needs community volunteers to sit on the organization’s marketing and/or fundraising committees.

If you are looking for something to give without making the time commitment, they can always use donated laundry detergent, tissues or money. I was thrilled that one of the Family Counseling Center’s facilities, McCambridge Center – a residential facility which assists chemically-dependent women face their diseases and develop healthy approaches to life, accepts all the new soap, shampoo and conditioner bottles I had gathered from hotel stays. Finally, a justification for hoarding all those cute little bottles!

Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Missouri Chapter | 2400 Bluff Creek Dr. – (573) 443-8665

alz.org/mid-missouri

Consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Missouri Chapter in lieu of holiday gifts. This group works hard to raise money and awareness for research, treatment, prevention and programs for the millions of Americans affected with Alzheimer’s disease. Acknowledgements can be sent to those you wish to honor. For additional information, contact development director Helen Steinmann.

Central Missouri Humane Society |616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia – (573) 443-3893

cmhspets.org

You have probably heard about the financial challenges faced by the Central Missouri Humane Society. The hard-working and dedicated staff works diligently to stretch resources to care for the approximately 9,000 animals that pass through their doors each year. According to shelter relations coordinator Heather Duren Stubbs, the shelter needs donations of money, bleach and cat litter. If you are short on cash but have time to spare, the shelter needs volunteers for Christmas day to visit the shelter and walk dogs in the afternoon. There is no better gift for the animals in the shelter than to get out for an hour-long walk!

OK, I lied. Something even better to help the critters would be loving homes. I never endorse giving animals as gifts, because being a pet owner is a huge responsibility and can be a major expense. However, if you are looking to add a loyal and adoring friend to your own home, definitely look first at the Humane Society.

Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation | PO Box 300036, St. Louis – (314) 361-3944

maal.org

If you want to show your appreciation for the furry companions in your life, another option is to support the work of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. Although based in St. Louis, the Alliance works statewide to enact legislation that prevents abuse and neglect of animals and combat Missouri’s reputation as the puppy mill capital of the United States.

Donations can be made in honor or memory of your companion animals this holiday season. Donations will be published in the next edition of the organization’s newsletter, The Alliance Speaks.

School of Service – Home of Access Arts | 1728 McAlester St., Columbia – (573) 875-0275

accessarts.missouri.org

Give a friend or family member the gift of an art class, or consider sponsoring a low-income or disability student in their name, much like a scholarship. Classes range from $75 for children’s classes to $120 for adult pottery, with classes in drawing, weaving and Photoshop in between. Executive director Chris Sharp shared with us that cash contributions to Access Arts help fund vital resources such as equipment and computers, class materials such as clay or yarn, and other program costs.

If service is more your style, you can volunteer to be a teacher’s assistant, coordinate special events or contribute your skills in other areas, such as construction or maintenance. Some may also wish to sponsor an ad to help the school promote its programs.

Columbia Art League

207 South 9th St., Columbia – (573) 443-8838 | cal.missouri.org

Stop by the amazing new gallery in the beautifully restored Missouri Theatre to “Give the Gift of Art.” An original work of art selected from the Columbia Art League Members’ Show supports the artist and the League, while also providing you with a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend.

Missouri Symphony Society & Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts | 910 E. Broadway, #101 – (573) 875-0600 | motheatre.org

There are myriad ways in which to celebrate the season of giving at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts (MTCA). Originally built in 1928, the splendidly-restored and renovated historic theater is home to the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, as well as many other local arts organizations, and serves as a gathering place for mid-Missouri and beyond.

For the music lovers on your list, a gift certificate for a subscription to the Hot Summer Nights Music Festival offers a variety of classical, Pops, family, and chamber recital concerts – as well as a number of special events – featuring the incredible musicians of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra and the many world-renowned guest artists that come to Columbia during June and July.

Alternative gifts to support the symphony include sponsoring a musician(s) in the Missouri Symphony Orchestra or sponsoring a young musician enrolled in the MOSS Conservatory programs. Becoming an MSO Circle of Friends member supports the Missouri Symphony Society and comes with an assortment of perks.

The “Take Your Seat” campaign provides a meaningful way to honor an individual or organization, celebrate an occasion or memorialize a loved one while supporting the restoration project at the theater. A beautifully-engraved personalized brass plaque on the arm of the seat is a timeless reminder of your thoughtfulness.

And, of course, MTCA coffee mugs, tote bags and commemorative ornaments make perfect stocking stuffers or Secret Santa presents for friends and co-workers. As always, gifts of time are greatly appreciated as volunteers are invariably needed for the multitude of projects, tasks and events that take place at the theater.  v

Lili Vianello is President of Visionworks Marketing & Communications, a Columbia-based full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm. Contributions to this article were made by Visionworks staff members. Visit them online at www.visionworks.com