It was John D. Rockefeller who said, “Think of giving as not a duty, but a privilege.” It is in this spirit that many individuals and organizations give to those in need during the holiday season. Transact Campus is proud to partner with educational institutions that embrace helping others. Take Benedictine University, for example. This year, the university’s women’s basketball team is hosting their first Holiday Hoops Camp to raise money for Toys for Tots. The camp, which will be run by their women's basketball coaching staff and players, is open to students from grades first through eighth. “All skill levels are welcome,” said Oliver Wiseman, the team’s head coach. Admission to the camp is one unwrapped, unopened toy.  

Michigan State University (MSU) is encouraging students, faculty, alumni, and friends to donate to Michigan nonprofit organizations that are founded or led by MSU alumni, so people can “go green and give back.” The organizations listed are Forgotten Harvest, Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Slippers for Mom, New Day Foundation for Families, Detroit Heals Detroit, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Friends of Royal Oak Township, Michigan Energy Options, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and Spartan Spirit Shop. “These are just a small collection of nonprofits founded and led by talented MSU alumni. We hope this giving guide will inspire you to seek out and support Spartans this holiday season!” reads their website. 

Ohio University recently held its tenth annual Holiday Film Series to benefit the Athens food pantry. Holiday movies such as “Elf”, “White Christmas,” and “A Christmas Story” were shown at a local cinema. Moviegoers donated non-perishable food items or cash in exchange for free admission. Over the past 10 years, this event has raised nearly 7,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations and around $4,300 in cash donations for the pantry. 

The University of Pennsylvania offered many opportunities for their campus community to give back during the holidays, including a food drive for local food pantries; a toy and sneaker drive to benefit the homeless; an “adopt a family” program; and a few others. “These opportunities are special in that they are designed to bring joy during the holidays.” 

Adelphi University hosted their annual “Adopt a Family for the Holidays” giving campaign to help fulfill the wishes of local families in need. Items donated include new personal items, clothes, toys, and a “bed in a bag.” 

Tufts University sponsored its “Annual Foster Children Holiday and Wrap Party,” providing gifts, arts and crafts activities, a light lunch, and visit from Santa Claus to local children. Volunteers were encouraged to help wrap presents and organize the party. 

Participating in local food and toy drives like these are rewarding for donors and bring bright smiles to community members in need. This year, Transact employees donated over $2,500 to our Angel Tree Campaign, benefiting Toys for Tots in the Phoenix area, exceeding our goal of $1,500. Here are some ways you can give back this holiday season: 

Give to a worthy cause in honor of a loved one. Instead of a tie or bottle of perfume, why not cherish their memory by donating to a charity close to their heart. 

Organize a fundraiser. Choose a group in need and coordinate a bottle collection, toy drive, or online giving campaign to raise funds for non-profit organizations, especially during the holiday season. 

Donate your time. Volunteering at a local homeless shelter, preparing and serving meals, or delivering gifts to local seniors or children are all great ways to say you care. 

It was John D. Rockefeller who said, “Think of giving as not a duty, but a privilege.” It is in this spirit that many individuals and organizations give to those in need during the holiday season. Transact Campus is proud to partner with educational institutions that embrace helping others. Take Benedictine University, for example. This year, the university’s women’s basketball team is hosting their first Holiday Hoops Camp to raise money for Toys for Tots. The camp, which will be run by their women's basketball coaching staff and players, is open to students from grades first through eighth. “All skill levels are welcome,” said Oliver Wiseman, the team’s head coach. Admission to the camp is one unwrapped, unopened toy.  

Michigan State University (MSU) is encouraging students, faculty, alumni, and friends to donate to Michigan nonprofit organizations that are founded or led by MSU alumni, so people can “go green and give back.” The organizations listed are Forgotten Harvest, Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Slippers for Mom, New Day Foundation for Families, Detroit Heals Detroit, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Friends of Royal Oak Township, Michigan Energy Options, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and Spartan Spirit Shop. “These are just a small collection of nonprofits founded and led by talented MSU alumni. We hope this giving guide will inspire you to seek out and support Spartans this holiday season!” reads their website. 

Ohio University recently held its tenth annual Holiday Film Series to benefit the Athens food pantry. Holiday movies such as “Elf”, “White Christmas,” and “A Christmas Story” were shown at a local cinema. Moviegoers donated non-perishable food items or cash in exchange for free admission. Over the past 10 years, this event has raised nearly 7,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations and around $4,300 in cash donations for the pantry. 

The University of Pennsylvania offered many opportunities for their campus community to give back during the holidays, including a food drive for local food pantries; a toy and sneaker drive to benefit the homeless; an “adopt a family” program; and a few others. “These opportunities are special in that they are designed to bring joy during the holidays.” 

Adelphi University hosted their annual “Adopt a Family for the Holidays” giving campaign to help fulfill the wishes of local families in need. Items donated include new personal items, clothes, toys, and a “bed in a bag.” 

Tufts University sponsored its “Annual Foster Children Holiday and Wrap Party,” providing gifts, arts and crafts activities, a light lunch, and visit from Santa Claus to local children. Volunteers were encouraged to help wrap presents and organize the party. 

Participating in local food and toy drives like these are rewarding for donors and bring bright smiles to community members in need. This year, Transact employees donated over $2,500 to our Angel Tree Campaign, benefiting Toys for Tots in the Phoenix area, exceeding our goal of $1,500. Here are some ways you can give back this holiday season: 

Give to a worthy cause in honor of a loved one. Instead of a tie or bottle of perfume, why not cherish their memory by donating to a charity close to their heart. 

Organize a fundraiser. Choose a group in need and coordinate a bottle collection, toy drive, or online giving campaign to raise funds for non-profit organizations, especially during the holiday season. 

Donate your time. Volunteering at a local homeless shelter, preparing and serving meals, or delivering gifts to local seniors or children are all great ways to say you care.