You may spend the entire year working to court donors and raise money. It’s possible that all your events are gala fundraisers with large budgets, resulting in large donations. You might even have a paid staff in charge of operations. But most charitable organisations also depend on volunteers to some extent. They may cover your front desk or man the telephones, canvas the streets or proofread your newsletter, and expect nothing in return.

Yet, you should still offer them something in return!

The Volunteer Appreciation Event is, by definition, less ostentatious than your typical fundraisers. Indeed, many volunteers will be upset if you waste too much money thanking them. But they have provided immeasurable help. Now is your chance to offer some thanks.

Help them to feel special by printing customised invitations for the event. You can even provide an event ticket to each volunteer, or, if you can afford for them to bring guests, provide two event tickets for each volunteer.

You can host the party in your own venue. It should be a comfortable sort of gathering. Offer enough hot tea, or even coffee, if your volunteers prefer, for everyone to feel welcome. An assortment of cakes and biscuits, or, if your volunteers don’t tend to indulge in sweets, fruits and vegetables, completes your simple spread. Whatever you choose to offer, you can print it right on the body of the event ticket so they know what to expect.

All you really need to offer is a cozy gathering where you can express your appreciation to this group. They will enjoy sitting and chatting in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying your refreshments, and feeling the impact they’ve made to your cause!

On this day, we live with peace and joy in our hearts and on our lips. We may consult the directions printed on an Invitation as we drive to a large party, or check the time of an Event Ticket as we rush to attend a matinee performance of The Nutcracker Suite, but we realize that these are only tools that help us keep our celebration on track and and our minds at ease.

All too soon this perfect day ends. Children, worn out from a day of toys and surprises, drift to bed without complaint, while adults enjoy one last egg nog and savor the Christmas peace. With less than a week, we will tidy our affairs and wrap a bow around 2009. The New Year will be here soon, and with it, more parties, celebrations, friends, family, and fun.

There will be time enough for planning new gatherings, printing new Event Kits, and creating new memories. Today is Christmas.