Charitable giving benefits your business

Maybe the numbers don't add up quite in favor of charitable giving and employee parties this year. But that doesn't mean you have to skip the cheer of giving. A little creative thinking can give new life to the spirit of the holidays, increase employee moral and even boost your business.

Supporting the community doesn't have to mean writing a check. Spalon, Golden-area salon and spa, gave free haircuts, nail polish changes and make-up lessons to children in exchange for the an unwrapped toy or donation for the Kempe Foundation, a Denver-based group that helps abused children and works to prevent child abuse. Coors Credit Union employees in Arvada volunteered at neighboring business Beyond the Blackboard wrapping gifts in exchange for nominal donations to charity.

Turn your holiday party into an opportunity to make a difference. For example, one business and it's employees volunteered to help out a local non-profit by cooking and serving at the organization's holiday party.

Another way to give is through pro bono work. Pro bono can give you good exposure and increase your contacts while helping an organization in need of professional work.