Give Where You Live: Spreading Hope This Holiday Season
As we head into the season of giving, we inevitably turn our sights homeward. What a perfect time to highlight how to impact our local communities meaningfully, right? In a recent article on how DMCs drive positive change in local communities, we explored how integrating CSR into your programs isn’t just a feel-good add-on—it’s a gift to carry with us year-round. After all, home is where the heart is!
You know we like to kick things up a notch at 360DG… 😉 So, beyond just weaving CSR into your next event, let’s dish on how you can make a difference in the destinations you love. From Las Vegas to New York, our teams have found creative ways to give back—and we’re excited to spread the love with you and your neighbors, too!
Las Vegas: Fill A Bag With Cheer
Kicking things off in Las Vegas, our Regional General Manager Craig Bullock and his team have long supported the Clark County School District’s Fill A Bag With Cheer initiative. 360DG has contributed time and donations to help underprivileged students at Walter Long STEAM Academy for the past four years. This event spreads holiday joy by providing much-needed resources to students and their families. It’s a reminder that, in our industry, giving back is not just an option—it’s a privilege.
Sahar’s Orange County Giving Guide
In Orange County, General Manager Sahar Pearose leads her team in supporting WISEPlace, a local women’s shelter dedicated to helping women affected by domestic violence and homelessness. Through initiatives like donating professional clothing to assisting women re-entering the workforce, Sahar’s contributions change lives. You can join in by donating your time, providing much-needed essentials, or even donating a vehicle.
In addition, Sahar personally gives back by creating hygiene care packages for the homeless in Santa Ana and preparing Thanksgiving meals with Someone Cares Soup Kitchen.
Texas: Food for Thoughtfulness
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the heart of our General Manager, Alisa Caldwell. She suggests volunteering with two incredible organizations: the North Texas Food Bank and Minnie’s Food Pantry. Both are dedicated to combating hunger in the community, especially during the holiday season. Volunteers are always needed to pack meals, donate funds, or contribute non-perishable items.
Spreading the Sunshine State Spirit
In Florida, our GM, Mike Loving, and his team bring holiday cheer to various communities in need.
Toys for Tots
This time-honored tradition, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, brings the magic of Christmas to children whose families may not have the means to buy gifts. Mike’s passion for the cause dates back to his days serving in the Corps, where he led local toy drives. Every toy donated puts a smile on a child’s face—and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
Clean the World
Consider volunteering to support The WASH Foundation by sorting out the soap bars and plastic bottle amenities that Clean the World collects from the hospitality industry and recycles. With over 8,300 hospitality partners, this group recycles soap and plastic amenities, turning waste into wellness. Their efforts reduce pollution and help improve hygiene in communities worldwide—a powerful example of sustainability in action.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
This non-profit focuses on building beds for needy children, ensuring every child has a comfortable place to rest while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads. The Florida team is participating in upcoming community events because everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep.
Adopt a Family
Set up a holiday tree in the office to add some personal warmth to the holidays. Employees bring gifts, ornaments, and cards to be donated to a local organization, such as The Mustard Seed, a women’s shelter.
Adrenaline Meets Altruism
Gabriela McNeil, Florida’s Director of Operations, rappelled 32 floors down the side of a hotel in Orlando in 2023 to raise over $2,000 for Give Kids the World. Amanda Feliciano, our vendor partner from AFR, also raised an additional $2,000. These daring efforts for a great cause remind us that sometimes giving back is as thrilling as it is meaningful.
Blooming & Building in the Big Apple
In New York, our team is all about giving back with purpose. First up is Bloom Again Bklyn, a nonprofit dedicated to repurposing and redistributing floral arrangements to bring joy to seniors, patients, and others facing health challenges. It’s a beautiful way to brighten someone’s day—one bloom at a time. They have opportunities for volunteers, corporations, florists, event planners, and community organizations to get involved.
Another standout is the Bowery Mission, one of NYC’s most historic organizations providing food, shelter, and support services to New Yorkers in need. From daily meals to vocational training, they’re committed to rebuilding lives in the heart of the city. Nearly 10,000 people have volunteered with them to care for neighbors in need.
Puppy Parties for a Cause in Music City
Nashville’s Director of Operations, Molly Leising, and her team are all about pawsitive change—literally! They work with Wags & Walks, a local dog rescue, by volunteering, donating, and hosting Puppy Parties as event add-ons. This provides attendees with a unique, feel-good experience while all proceeds go directly to helping rescue dogs.
Chicago: Flowers that Empower
In Chicago, Sr. Design & Development Manager Alexa Lopez and her team have partnered with Southside Blooms, a unique organization that transforms vacant lots into flower farms. This organization prioritizes youth empowerment through two programs:
- A K-8 environmental education program that teaches urban farming, sustainability, and social enterprise.
- A workforce development program that trains young people (ages 16-24) as flower farmers and florists.
In addition to the community impact, they focus on eco-friendly florals through solar-powered and pesticide-free farms.
Not only has 360DG used their gorgeous floral arrangements at several events, but our operations managers have also had the chance to connect with their workforce development program participants. We discussed the event industry and what DMCs do in hopes of inspiring the next generation of event professionals!
As we head into the season of giving, we hope these examples inspire and motivate you to take action in your communities. Whether you partner with local organizations, volunteer with your team, or incorporate CSR into your next event, let your creativity and positivity run wild! At 360 Destination Group, we’re proud to support our communities—and we can’t wait to see how you make an impact, too.
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