Volunteers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, dedicating their time and energy to make a difference in their communities. Whether they are helping at local organizations, assisting during events, or supporting important causes, volunteers play a crucial role in driving positive change. As a gesture of appreciation and gratitude, you can give back to your volunteers in a meaningful way – through gift cards!

Getting Started with Gift Cards:

Highlighting The Importance of Volunteer Appreciation

Volunteers are the backbone of any organization or community. They selflessly give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference. Without their dedication, many programs and initiatives would not be possible. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate their efforts, especially during the season of giving. 

"Volunteers are worth an average $28.54 an hour." - Volunteer Hub ^[1]

Expressing gratitude towards volunteers not only makes them feel valued and respected, but it also strengthens the bond between the organization and its volunteers. When volunteers feel appreciated, they are more likely to continue their involvement and even recruit others to join. Gift cards can be a simple yet meaningful way to show your gratitude and acknowledge their hard work.

The Ultimate Gift for Volunteers

Navigating the available gift card options can be overwhelming. However, we're here to simplify the process with some insightful research! When it comes to volunteering in the United States, the age group of 35 to 44 comprises the majority, closely followed by individuals aged 45 to 54 ^[2]. This information is crucial to consider when rewarding and attracting volunteers from these age brackets. Further research conducted by the esteemed AAA Foundation reveals a fascinating fact: drivers between the ages of 35 and 49 tend to cover the most miles on a daily basis ^[3].

This finding significantly influences the choice of the perfect gift card reward. Enter the Shell Gift Card - an exceptionally fitting choice! By providing these gift cards, you can ensure your volunteers remain fueled, not only for their daily commutes to work or for leisure activities, but also when traveling to serve your organization. For more information about Shell Gift Cards for corporate rewards, go to bit.ly/Shellcorporate!

Creative Gift Card Ideas for Volunteers

After covering the essentials with Shell Gift Cards, now it's time to reward with something extra fun! Consider their interests and preferences with the following to help inspire you:

• Coffee shop gift cards: Many volunteers appreciate a good cup of coffee to keep them energized during their service. Dunkin Donuts offers great tasting food and beverages that will keep you running throughout your busy day. 
• Bookstore gift cards: For the volunteers who love reading, a bookstore gift card allows them to indulge in their favorite books or explore new ones. Choose a Barnes & Noble Gift Card for recipients to choose from a selection of books, NOOK Books™, toys, games, music, movies, and much more.
• Restaurant gift cards: Treating your volunteers to a nice meal is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. If you want one with all the favorites, choose Darden Restaurants, which includes Olive Garden^®, LongHorn Steakhouse^®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen^®, Yard House^®, Seasons 52^®, and Bahama Breeze^®.

These are just a few examples, but the key is to choose gift cards that align with the interests and preferences of your volunteers. Personalizing the gift cards shows that you have put thought into the gesture and makes the volunteers feel truly appreciated.

Personalized Touch: Customizing Gift Cards for Volunteers

Customized gifts have a profound emotional impact, strengthening relationships and creating a sense of joy and gratitude ^[4]. To add a personalized touch to the gift cards, consider the following ideas:

• Handwritten notes: Include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and highlighting the specific contributions or achievements of each volunteer.
• Customized designs: Work with a graphic designer (or us!) to create custom designs for the gift cards. Examples include company images, special events, or holiday themes.
• Co-brand with your logo: Create a memorable and personalized token of appreciation by adding your logo to the gift card. It promotes your brand and adds a thoughtful touch to the gift, making it unique and distinctive.
• Personalized messages: If you want to go further into customization, add a special message to imprint on your gift card!

These personalization efforts go a long way toward making the volunteers feel special and valued. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to make the gift card unique to them.

Wrapping it Up: Making the Gift Card Presentation Special

The presentation of the gift cards can also make a difference in how they are perceived. Consider these ideas to make the gift card presentation special:

• Gift card envelopes: Use decorative or personalized envelopes to hold the gift cards. This adds a touch of elegance and makes the presentation more visually appealing.
• Thank-you cards: Accompany the gift cards with thank-you cards that express your gratitude and include a heartfelt message.
• Recognition ceremony: If possible, organize a recognition ceremony where volunteers can be publicly acknowledged and presented with their gift cards. This creates a sense of pride and accomplishment for the volunteers. Ideally, this would happen at least once a year.

By putting effort into the presentation, you enhance the overall experience and make the volunteers feel truly valued.

And That's All for Now

As the season of giving approaches, it's important to show appreciation to the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort. Gift cards are a thoughtful way to express gratitude and provide a meaningful reward for their hard work. Work with us at RPG Card Services to get you started on holiday rewarding! 

Sources: Volunteer Hub [1], Golden [2], Consumers Unified [3], Maison 21G [4]