Donations are important publicity for any retail store, but you must set parameters for donating. The amount you can designate in your budget must be something you can live with.

To begin with, there has to be a give-and-take procedure with the donation of a gift. If, for example, you donate a gift or product to the Women's Annual Fall Banquet, it should be with the agreement that the store will be given some form of mention in return during the evening. It could be in the printed program or verbally when the door prize is given out.

Whatever the case, you have provided monetary support of the event so you deserve to be recognized. The important thing is to decide how much you can provide and to whom each year.

In our store we have found that gift baskets are a favorite donation. By using a variety of products, a very attractive basket can be assembled and makes a great showing.

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