It’s easy to get really excited for promotions that entail a fun contest or huge giveaway like a vacation or she-shed! What about the promotions that could change a family’s life? This is the season to create something that could positively impact your community.

One idea is to team up with a heating and air company. I recently spoke with a company who gives away a water heater every year. The owner said their staff will be the first to know when a family, or person, is unable to afford the work necessary to complete a job. The owner takes these suggestions from their staff to decide who will receive the giveaway. A station could team up with the company and expand the giveaway by adding to the promotion.

When doing something like this it’s important to vet a potential winner. Make sure that person isn’t involved in any illegal matters, and could really benefit from the giveaway. It is, definitely, possible a person could lie about their circumstance to win. As on-air talent, though, you’re not dumb. You’ve heard it all in order to win concert tickets. Just be smart and do your research before announcing a winner.

Obviously, you can elaborate on this idea. Depending on where you are in the country, there are AC units for the hotter states, winterizing windows for the most northern states, anything that is ESSENTIAL, but might be too expensive for a family, or person, in need. Not all giveaways have to be spa days and shopping trips. The most impactful giveaway make lasting impressions.

Along these lines, you can do a “Let Us Pay Your Bills” situation as well. I’m in the Midwest and our electric bill is all over the place. It could be $100 MORE the next month due to the temp. Just this morning it was 45 degrees but will get up to 80. You can see how the ac would be off and on. A single mom may not be able to keep up with the electric bill, especially around the holidays. Offer to make a car payment for December. Little things like that go a LONG way to someone who could really use some help.

Grab the company credit card and got out and pay for someone’s groceries. Head to a gas station and fill up tanks of gas. ANYTHING that needs to be paid for but could be a struggle for someone…these are huge for your listeners.

Again, I know these types of promotions aren’t flashy and a lot of fun. However, and this isn’t the point of the promotion, but they will get your station a lot of attention. Not to mention what this could mean to someone listening to you right now that needs help. YOU could be that help. Think with your heart this season and lean some of those giveaways towards an idea that will make a difference in someone’s life.

Photo courtesy of FreePik