The holidays are a perfect time of year to reflect on what we’re thankful for and to reach out to those less fortunate than us. As a doctor, you’re used to helping people in need. You may even offer goods and services pro bono when you can, or support a local charity or organization with the profits of your business. To ring in the season of gratitude, we’ve outlined some outreach ideas to keep your team, your patients, and your community in the spirit of giving!

Set Up a Food Drive

The holiday season is even more magical with delicious dishes and plenty of gratitude to pass around. By establishing a food drive, your practice can help community members in need have access to the healthy, comforting, and even festive meals they deserve to enjoy.

Due to COVID-19, it’s crucial to provide clear protocols and instructions for your patients so they can safely and easily drop off non-perishable food items at your office. Establish drop-off time slots so your patients can know when to provide donations and your team can be there for any social-distancing assistance. It’s also helpful if you request specific types of food. Pasta, canned vegetables, rice, canned and bottled juices are always great places to start.

Host a Toy Drive

Make a child’s day this holiday season by hosting a toy drive at your office. Similar to a food drive, patients can safely drop off any new toy at your practice, which will then be gifted to children and families that may not be able to afford presents this year. To maintain a safe donation experience, require your patients to wear masks and gloves when dropping off toys at your office and reiterate that all donations must be new and unwrapped. Feel free to remind them of your office’s proper sanitation efforts to ensure the safest process possible.

Giving Your Time

Sharing your most valuable resource may just be the most impactful way to change a life or help someone in need. Encourage your team to get in the spirit of giving by taking one day out of the month or week to safely give back to the community. Whether it be assisting at a food bank, dropping off extra medical supplies at a local hospital, or writing “happy holidays” letters to nursing home residents, there are plenty of ways to make the less fortunate smile and feel cared for.

Donating Supplies

Now more than ever, hospitals, medical centers, and homeless shelters are in need of extra supplies to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a surplus of (or the means to purchase extra) dental kits, bandages, masks, gloves, or PPE, consider donating to a local non-profit or hospital to keep our front-line workers safe and secure during this time of uncertainty.

SmileMakers Is By Your Side

Throughout the holidays, SmileMakers is your one-stop-shop for cheery goodies and fresh new ideas to keep your practice in the seasonal spirit. We’re always looking for more ways to make you and your patients happy, so feel free to connect with us to share your questions, comments, or ideas at SmileMakers.com.