By Gail Marsh
Most kids will studiously prepare a Christmas list, an expansive list of the toys they hope to receive. Adult family members may come up with a detailed wish list, too. Even worldwide charities are known to publish Christmas catalogs that feature the specific needs of the people they serve. Lists make gift giving easier, don’t they? It’s hard to go wrong when the only thing Uncle Ed lists is “Crescent wrench” or you know Aunt Jane is specifically wishing for lime-green hand towels.
And then there are your volunteers: those dedicated folks who selflessly devote their weekends, evenings, and days off from work to help you make ministry happen. Your valued volunteers wouldn’t make a Christmas wish list even if you demanded it! So how can you choose just the right Christmas gift for these important people? Is there a gift that clearly says, “I appreciate you so much! You are a true blessing to me and all the people you serve?”
First, consider each volunteer as an individual. There’s no rule that says each volunteer must receive the same gift. (Imagine what Uncle Ed would think if he unwrapped lime green hand towels!) If you’re concerned that gift comparisons will be made, plan to wrap the gifts in identical gift bags. Fill the bags with tissue paper and all of them will appear to be the same. (Be sure to put gift recipient’s names on each bag to avoid confusion. Remember Uncle Ed?) If you still have concerns about the equality of gifts, purchase movie tickets or restaurant gift certificates for everyone in addition to a personalized gift.
You see, a personalized gift says you put some thought into the gift. You purposely chose that specific item for a specific volunteer. Hopefully as you’ve worked with your volunteers over the past several months, you’ve gotten to know them on a personal level. Keep that in mind as you think about “gifting” them this Christmas.
Do you have coffee or tea aficionados as volunteers? Check out CTA’s assortment of mugs and cups.
Are some of your volunteers avid readers or book hounds? Check out these great ideas!
Do you have a volunteer who is facing personal difficulties? Take a look at CTA’s devotion books or prayer journals.
If you’d like to give volunteers a Christmas-themed gift, check out CTA’s Christmas items. You’ll discover gifts for teens to adults, all with a faith-boosting, Christmas message.
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2019 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.
