Create a Holiday Message That Dovetails Into the New Year

Women for Women International, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives through financial and emotional support, has a virtual bazaar on its Web site where visitors can purchase items such as jewelry, clothes and bags made by the organization’s clients. Women for Women International sends out an e-mail campaign called “Gifts that Give Back” that highlights specific gifts for the holidays and asks individuals to give an additional donation when they make a purchase. Hawks says that including an ask for a donation in this way presents it less as an ask and more as an opportunity for customers also to give a gift that will make a difference for the organization during the holiday season.