Ooma VoIP Phone
  • BUSINESS
      Business Solutions
      • Business Phone Service
      • Business Internet
      • POTS Replacement
      • Enterprise Communications
      Learn More
      • Features
      • Integrations
      • Industries
      • Webinars
      • Case Studies
      • Blog
      • Calculate Savings
      • Setup Guides
      Get Started
      • Contact Sales
      • Build Your Own System
      • Get a Phone Number
      • Buy Phones
  • RESIDENTIAL
    • Home Phone Service
    • All Products
    • Basic Home Phone Service
    • Premier Home Phone Service
    • Features
    • Shop Now
    • Home Security Systems
    • Shop Products
    • Plans
    • Features
  • SHOP
    • Business Phones & Service
    • Home Phones & Service
    • Home Security Products
  • PARTNER
    • Why Ooma
    • Channel Partners
    • Carriers
    • VAR Partners
    • Resellers
    • ISP Partners
  • SALES: 877-353-5168
  • Search

    More results...

  • MY OOMA ACCOUNT
    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • Cart Button
    0

    Your Cart

    Your cart is empty.
  • Plans & Pricing
    • Compare Plans & Pricing
    • Office Pro Plus Plan
    • Office Pro Plan
    • Office Essentials Plan
    • Small Business Starter Kits
    • Phone & Internet Bundles
    • Build Your Own System
    • Savings Calculator
    • PROMOTIONS
    • Elevate your business now with free IP phones.
      Shop three limited time offers.
  • Features & Integrations
    • Explore All Features
    • Call Management
    • Desktop App
    • Mobile App
    • Virtual Receptionist
    • Call Parking
    • Overhead Paging
    • Multi Ring
    • Call Blocking
    • Auto Dialer
    • Collaboration
    • Videoconferencing
    • Team Chat
    • Hot Desking
    • Call Recording
    • Call Queuing
    • Text Messaging
    • Ring Groups
    • Voicemail Transcription
    • Customer Experience
    • Contact Us Website Widget
    • Shift-to-Text
    • Music on Hold
    • Transfer Music
    • Extension Dialing
    • Toll-free Number
    • Virtual Fax
    • Caller Info
    • Integrations
    • Salesforce
    • HubSpot
    • Square
    • Microsoft Dynamics 365
    • QuickBooks Online
    • Clio
    • Jobber
    • See all integrations
  • Shop Phones
  • Industries
    • Automotive
    • Construction
    • Dental
    • Education
    • Hospitality
    • Healthcare
    • Insurance
    • Legal
    • Non-Profit
    • Real Estate
    • Restaurants
    • See All Industries
  • Business Resources
    • Featured Blog
    • The award for Top VoIP Provider in 2025 goes to … Ooma!
    • Learn
    • Setup Guide
    • Webinars
    • Case Studies
    • Podcast
    • Business Blog
    • Customer Videos
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • Compare
    • AT&T vs Ooma
    • Comcast vs Ooma
    • Marketplace
    • Explore
    • International Calling
    • Choose a Phone Number
    • Toll Free Numbers
    • What is VoIP?
    • IT Leaders
GET STARTED
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • BUSINESS
    • Business Solutions
      • Business Phone Service
      • Business Internet
      • POTS Replacement
      • Enterprise Communications
  • RESIDENTIAL
    • Home Phone Service
    • Home Security Systems
  • SHOP
    • Business Phones & Service
    • Home Phones & Service
    • Home Security Products
  • PARTNER
    • Why Ooma
    • Channel Partners
    • Carriers
    • VAR Partners
    • Resellers
    • ISP Partners
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
  • Plans & Pricing
    • Compare Plans & Pricing
    • Office Pro Plus Plan
    • Office Pro Plan
    • Office Essentials Plan
    • Small Business Starter Kits
    • Phone & Internet Bundles
    • Build Your Own System
    • Savings Calculator
  • Features & Integrations
    • Explore All Features
    • Call Management
    • Desktop App
    • Mobile App
    • Virtual Receptionist
    • Call Parking
    • Overhead Paging
    • Multi Ring
    • Call Blocking
    • Auto Dialer
    • Collaboration
    • Videoconferencing
    • Team Chat
    • Hot Desking
    • Call Recording
    • Call Queuing
    • Text Messaging
    • Ring Groups
    • Voicemail Transcription
    • Customer Experience
    • Contact Us Website Widget
    • Shift-to-Text
    • Music on Hold
    • Transfer Music
    • Extension Dialing
    • Toll-free Number
    • Virtual Fax
    • Caller Info
    • Integrations
    • Salesforce
    • HubSpot
    • Square
    • Microsoft Dynamics 365
    • QuickBooks Online
    • Clio
    • Jobber
    • See all integrations
  • Shop Phones
  • Industries
    • Hospitality
    • Dental
    • Real Estate
    • Insurance
    • See all industries
  • Business Resources
    • Learn
    • Setup Guide
    • Webinars
    • Case Studies
    • Podcast
    • Business Blog
    • Customer Videos
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • Compare
    • AT&T vs Ooma
    • Comcast vs Ooma
    • Marketplace
    • Explore
    • International Calling
    • Choose a Phone Number
    • Toll Free Numbers
    • What is VoIP?
    • IT Leaders
  • PROMOTIONS
    Elevate your business now with free IP phones.
    Shop three limited time offers.
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS
  • Shop Devices & Bundles
    • Shop All Products
    • Ooma Telo
    • Ooma Telo Air
    • Ooma LTE w/ Battery Backup
    • Handset & Accesories
    • Home Phone Bundles
    • Retro Phone Bundle
    • Senior Phone Bundle
    • Family Phone Bundle
    • Home Office Bundle
  • Pricing & Plans
    • Basic Home Phone Service
    • Premier Home Phone Service
    • International Calling Plans
    • Savings Calculator
  • Features
    • See all features
    • Enhanced 911
    • Mobile App
  • Resources
    • Get Started
    • FAQs
    • Customer Reviews
    • Home Phone Blog
    • Calculate Savings
    • Choose a Phone Number
    • Consumer Reports Rating
    • Landline Alternative
  • Shop Now
    • PROMOTIONS
    • The internet may drop, but your calls won't.

      Save up to $50 on a throwback phone bundle today!

      Shop Now
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • POTS Replacement
  • Remote Device Management
  • Resources
  • Compliance
  • FAQs
  • Industries
    • Real Estate
    • Education
    • Government
    • Healthcare
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS
  • Products
    • Motion Sensor
    • Door and Window Sensor
    • Garage Door Sensor
    • Alarm Siren
    • Water Sensor
    • Keypad
    • Mobile App
  • Features
  • Plans
  • Build Your Own System
  • Reviews
  • FAQs
  • Shop Now
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
  • Backup Internet
  • Check Coverage
  • Check Speed
  • Data Usage Calculator
  • Managed WiFi
  • Search

    More results...

    • My Ooma Telo
    • My Ooma Office
    • Partner's Login
  • BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
  • Features
    • See All
    • CRM Integration
    • Videoconferencing
    • Mobile App
    • Text Messaging
    • Advance Analytics
    • Desktop App
    • Call Center
    • Hot Desking
    • Caller Info Match
    • Teams Direct Routing
  • Pricing
  • Services
    • Airdial
    • Teams Direct Routing
    • Network Connectivity
    • SIP Trunking
    • IP Security
  • Solutions
    • By Need
    • Customer Service
    • Sales
    • Remote workers
    • Business Growth
    • By Industry
    • Retail Stores
    • Professional Services
    • Hospitality Services
    • Franchises
    • Tech Companies
    • Financial Services
  • Be a Partner
OOMA Business Blog

How businesses can give back at Thanksgiving 2021

Husain Sumra profile image
Husain Sumra
October 19, 2021 | 5 min read

Many businesses support their community through donations and other programs. It is a way to show current and potential customers that you care about the long-term success of your community. 

Giving back at Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to create brand awareness. For example, just imagine how much coverage Macy’s has earned since the 1920s by supporting an annual Thanksgiving parade in New York. That’s not all. Harvard Business Review states that volunteer programs can increase employee productivity and retention.

With Thanksgiving coming up soon, it is time to start planning your giving-back effort. 

1. Research what support your community needs right now.

Finding out the types of support and causes most in need of support in your community is a good starting point. To gather ideas, use the following techniques.

  • Ask your customers what charities and causes they currently support.

Supporting the same causes and organizations as your customers shows you’re on the same page. If a larger number of customers all recommend the same local charity, it is worth giving that organization a closer look. 

  • Ask your employees about how they give back.

Some companies like General Electric and CarMax offer matching donations for employee contributions to charities. Seeking input from employees can also prevent one of the common problems in volunteer programs: mindlessly copying from other companies. 

  • Search for existing local Thanksgiving campaigns to support.

There may be local Thanksgiving initiatives you can contribute to. For example, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley helped over 94,000 people suffering from food insecurity in 2020. Find local examples by searching for “YOUR CITY Thanksgiving charity” or “YOUR CITY Thanksgiving donations.”

Are you concerned about taking attention away from planned Black Friday sales? There is an alternative way to schedule your giving-back efforts to avoid taking attention away from Black Friday. Consider joining the Giving Tuesday movement, which dates back to 2012. Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after the U.S. Thanksgiving every year. A wide variety of companies, including Pottery Barn and PetSmart, have participated in Giving Tuesday efforts in the past. In 2020, approximately $2.47 billion was donated to U.S. nonprofits on Giving Tuesday 2020.

2. Consider your company’s resources.

Now that you have a few ideas for local causes to support, it is time to consider your business’s resources. There are multiple ways to support your local community as a business.

  • Make donations.

Start by considering your financial resources. How much money could your company afford to give to the community this year? Donations to 501(c)3 organizations may be eligible for a deduction on federal taxes. Discuss tax matters with your accountant. The majority (66%) of small business giving focuses on local charities. Donating to a local charity may be more satisfying for employees because they can see the impact of giving in their community.

  • Offer employees paid time off for volunteering.

Giving your employees paid time off to work with a charity is another way to give back.

In 2018, 24% of employers offered paid time off for volunteering, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. 

  • Donate products or services from your company.

You might also decide to donate your company’s products or services. Leesa, a mattress company, has donated more than 37,000 mattresses to nonprofits. The company donates one mattress for every 10 it sells.

Before making a donation or supporting an organization, research the organization. For example, you can look up organizations on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search website. In addition, review the organization’s annual report to evaluate the organization’s strategy and financial sustainability. The Milken Institute recommends scaling the intensity of your due diligence efforts with the size of your efforts. A six-figure donation would merit more due diligence than a $100 check.

3. Promote the community program.

The next step is to promote your community program. There are two reasons to promote your effort. First, it may help boost the impact of the program. You might encourage other companies to support other good causes. Second, promoting the community effort gives your company a publicity opportunity.

In terms of timing, consider starting your promotion for the event three weeks before Thanksgiving. If you don’t have that much lead time, make the most of whatever time you have to promote your company’s efforts.

Taking plenty of photos of your community donations and volunteer efforts makes the final steps of the plan easier.

4. Execute your community program.

In this step, launch your community program and take photos along the way. Look for human interest aspects. For example, if you have dozens of employees volunteering at a local charity, you might be able to interest the news media. 

In 2013, Toyota donated the expertise of its employees to the Food Bank for New York City. The effort led to coverage in the New York Times. By applying its engineering expertise, the food bank substantially increased productivity. The organization was able to pack food boxes in 11 seconds rather than three minutes.

The Toyota example shows that employees with specialized expertise can make a significant positive impact on your community.

5. Celebrate your Thanksgiving effort on social media.

As your community project unfolds, publicize the efforts on social media. Use these tips to spread the word about your company’s efforts. Publicizing your charitable activity online is a good way to bring attention to a charity, especially those that have a low profile and encourage others to donate. In addition, supporting good causes can help raise the profile of your company in a positive way.

  • Create a publicity release form.

Avoid potential misunderstandings by creating a publicity release form for employees and others in photos.

  • Take before and after photos.

If your giving back efforts create physical changes (e.g., cleaning up graffiti or garbage), take before and after photos. These photos provide clear evidence of how your giving back project improved the community. You can also use these photos to stimulate interest in future campaigns.

Explore other ways to give back to the community.

Supporting good causes at Thanksgiving is one way to start your company’s charitable efforts. Your efforts do not have to stop there, however. Your company might start an annual tradition of employee volunteer days or ongoing donations. While one-time donations help, it is best to support charities with ongoing monthly donations.

book your consultation today image

Learn more about how Ooma Office can help your business.

Talk to one of our Ooma Office experts today!
CONNECT WITH US

Thank you!

An Ooma Office Sales Representative will be in touch shortly.

866-573-0707

The Ooma Office Logo
Thank you
Learn how ooma can help - consultation image

Learn more about how Ooma Office can help your business.

Just call 877-621-0515 or click this to CHAT. Or, fill out this form and someone will reach out to you shortly.

By clicking below you expressly agree to and acknowledge the statements set forth in this
link. By submitting your contact information, you are giving express written consent to receive on your telephone, mobile or other electronic device auto-dialed, pre-recorded, artificial or other automated telemarketing calls or texts (SMS & MMS) from Ooma, its marketing partners, or third parties acting on Ooma’s behalf, even if your number is a on a corporate, state or federal Do Not Call (DNC) list. Carrier fees may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. It also indicates that you agree to Ooma’s Privacy Policy.
Fix error
About the Author
Husain Sumra profile image
Husain Sumra

Husain Sumra is a former journalist who reported on the biggest companies in tech, from Apple to Amazon, covering cloud services, consumer technology and communication solutions. His journalism background has helped him bring a customer-first approach to content marketing, creating pieces of content aimed at helping people.

Recent Posts
recent post image:Steering your success: Drive your business like a pro from your car office
Steering your success: Drive your business like a pro from your car office
recent post image:10 CRM and VoIP phone integration hacks
10 CRM and VoIP phone integration hacks
recent post image:Is PBX better than VoIP?
Is PBX better than VoIP?
FOR BUSINESS +

  • Business Phone System
  • Enterprise Phone
  • POTS Replacement
  • UCaaS
  • Cloud Phone
  • Mobile App
  • Internet Services
  • Live Demo
  • Video Conferencing
  • Choose a Number
  • International
  • VoIP Phone System
  • Business Phone Services
  • Ooma Office
  • Faqs
FOR HOME+

  • Home Phone
  • Basic Plan
  • Premier Plan
  • Connect Your Home
  • Savings
  • Accessories
  • International Calling
  • Landline Phones
  • Phone Numbers
  • Ooma Telo
  • Reviews
  • Faqs
  • Mobile App
  • Forums
FOR SECURITY+

  • Home Security
  • Professional Monitoring
  • Build Your Own System
  • Plans
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Faqs
  • Mobile App
SHOP+

  • Buy Home Phone
  • Buy Home Security
  • Buy Business Phone
  • Marketplace
PRESS
+

  • In the News
  • Press Releases
  • Awards
  • Press Kit
ABOUT OOMA+

  • Company
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Investors
  • FAQs
  • Partners
  • Support
  • Blog
  • Legal
  • Notice to California Residents
  • Notice to Texas Residents
  • Your Privacy Choices privacy choices icon
VISIT CANADA SITE


  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Youtube icon
  • Instagram icon
Copyright © 2025 Ooma, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Sitemap
consumer report
senior living
Ooma's Better Business Bureau Listing
PC Mag Logo
Best Places to Work
Thank you

Thank you!

An Ooma Office Sales Representative will be in touch shortly.

If you’d like to chat with us right away, just give us a call or start an online chat!

CALL
CHAT ONLINE
Popup images

Let’s talk!

One of our knowledgeable representatives is standing by to provide recommendations and help you get started. Just call 877-621-0515 or click this CHAT button. Or, fill out this form and someone will reach out to you shortly.

By clicking below you expressly agree to and acknowledge the statements set forth in this
link. By submitting your contact information, you are giving express written consent to receive on your telephone, mobile or other electronic device auto-dialed, pre-recorded, artificial or other automated telemarketing calls or texts (SMS & MMS) from Ooma, its marketing partners, or third parties acting on Ooma’s behalf, even if your number is a on a corporate, state or federal Do Not Call (DNC) list. Carrier fees may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. It also indicates that you agree to Ooma’s Privacy Policy.
Fix error

We’ll talk shortly!

To get to know you better and help you, could we ask a few more questions?

By clicking below you expressly agree to and acknowledge the statements set forth in this
link. By submitting your contact information, you are giving express written consent to receive on your telephone, mobile or other electronic device auto-dialed, pre-recorded, artificial or other automated telemarketing calls or texts (SMS & MMS) from Ooma, its marketing partners, or third parties acting on Ooma’s behalf, even if your number is a on a corporate, state or federal Do Not Call (DNC) list. Carrier fees may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. It also indicates that you agree to Ooma’s Privacy Policy.
Fix error
Or Call 877-621-0515
Thank you

Thank you!

An Ooma Office Sales Representative will be in touch shortly.

If you’d like to chat with us right away, just give us a call or start an online chat!

CALL
CHAT ONLINE

Don’t Let Another Month of Overpaying Go By.

Our knowledgeable sales team is standing by to help you find the perfect phone system for your business needs.

  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Keep Your Number Guaranteed
  • No Long-Term Contract Required
📞
Call Now
877-621-0515
💬
Live Chat
Chat with sales

By clicking below you expressly agree to and acknowledge the statements set forth in this
link. By submitting your contact information, you are giving express written consent to receive on your telephone, mobile or other electronic device auto-dialed, pre-recorded, artificial or other automated telemarketing calls or texts (SMS & MMS) from Ooma, its marketing partners, or third parties acting on Ooma’s behalf, even if your number is a on a corporate, state or federal Do Not Call (DNC) list. Carrier fees may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. It also indicates that you agree to Ooma’s Privacy Policy.
Fix error

We’ll talk shortly!

To get to know you better and help you, could we ask a few more questions?

By clicking below you expressly agree to and acknowledge the statements set forth in this
link. By submitting your contact information, you are giving express written consent to receive on your telephone, mobile or other electronic device auto-dialed, pre-recorded, artificial or other automated telemarketing calls or texts (SMS & MMS) from Ooma, its marketing partners, or third parties acting on Ooma’s behalf, even if your number is a on a corporate, state or federal Do Not Call (DNC) list. Carrier fees may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. It also indicates that you agree to Ooma’s Privacy Policy.
Fix error
Or Call 877-621-0515
Sepcial Offer

Get a Special Offer Today

Call 877-621-0515 today to learn more.

Offer expires 07/12/25

CALL US START CHAT
Call support icon Call support icon SUPPORT 866-939-6662
Sales Number Sales Number SALES877-621-0515
Get a quote Get a quote QUOTE
Live Chat Live Chat CHAT
QUOTE CALL CHAT
We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze traffic, enhance your experience and allow our partners to serve tailored advertisements. For more information or to opt out, visit our Privacy Policy.
I agree  Learn more