The holiday season is a time to reflect on company values, what employees care about and how those ideals can turn into action. Leaders who support causes that represent those values build trust within the company and across the communities they serve. Giving back shouldn’t be seasonal, yet the holidays are when employees and customers are more focused on philanthropy and community engagement. Employees look to leadership to set the tone for how a company demonstrates care and responsibility.
Community giving supports reputation and relationships:
- Use community work as a storytelling opportunity. Public relations is most effective when it shares an authentic impact. Community initiatives create strong stories for media, internal communications and social content. Seventy-seven percent of consumers prefer to buy from companies that practice social responsibility. When Dodgers fans turned a series win into $75,000 for the Blue Jays’ hometown children’s hospital, it showed how collective generosity can turn competition into compassion and create a positive impact that resonates far beyond the game.
- Build lasting relationships through consistent engagement. The greatest impact comes when generosity isn’t seasonal but ongoing. Year-round involvement with community organizations deepens trust and shows that support is more than a holiday gesture. Hosting volunteer days, sponsoring local events or partnering with nonprofits throughout the year form genuine connections within the community.
- Strengthen internal culture through action. Employees take pride in being part of something bigger than their work. Participation in meaningful initiatives creates a sense of belonging and goodwill. OWC employees support the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, showing how community service strengthens engagement and connection across the company.
- Choose thoughtfully to protect trust. Generosity must always be sincere. Set Active faced criticism after pledging a small portion of proceeds to charity and later increasing the amount to repair its image. The takeaway is to give with integrity and follow through on every commitment. Promises made for attention rarely build trust, but genuine actions rooted in care always do
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
IN THE NEED
Saban Community Clinic Expands Access to Care Across Los Angeles
Saban Community Clinic provides vital medical, dental and behavioral health services to families across Los Angeles, reaching underserved neighborhoods through both clinic locations and mobile units. The organization raised $2.4 million this year to continue expanding its reach and delivering care directly to those who need it most. OWC has supported Saban in sharing these efforts through strategic communications that highlight the Clinic’s impact and leadership in community health. Together, these efforts show how meaningful investment in people strengthens connection, builds trust and inspires lasting impact. Visit www.sabancommunityclinic.org to learn more.
Downtown Women’s Center Creates Pathways to Housing and Hope
The Downtown Women’s Center serves women experiencing homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles through housing, job training and health and wellness programs. Its outreach teams provide direct support on Skid Row and connect women to essential resources across the city. The center also operates MADE by DWC, a social enterprise that helps women gain job skills and financial independence. OWC has proudly supported the center by providing lunches, volunteering onsite and through Tracy Williams’ service on its board of directors. Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to fostering stability, dignity and community for women rebuilding their lives. Visit www.downtownwomenscenter.org to learn more.
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Leads With Compassion and Community Impact
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services provides essential mental health and suicide prevention care for individuals and families nationwide through counseling, crisis support and education. Suicide comes out of the shadows at the organization’s Suicide Prevention Center, which operates from a 14,156 square foot building in Century City with prominent signage as the only dedicated facility of its kind in the United States. The sign is seen by thousands of people each day and reinforces the importance of open dialogue and visibility in saving lives. OWC has supported Didi Hirsch by elevating its mission and sharing stories that highlight how awareness and community presence strengthen trust and expand access to care. Visit www.didihirsch.org to learn more.
