CFS Printing & Promotions makes a habit of helping others promote their causes

When Harvest Share Food Pantry was cranking up the heat on its annual Soup-N-Bowl fundraiser in Columbia, Tennessee on Super Bowl weekend, the nonprofit organization had several hometown businesses helping out behind the scenes—including local distributor CFS Printing & Promotions (UPIC: C656649).

“The Soup-N-Bowl is one of many events I’ve worked with; I have a business associate who asked me to help, so I donated the printing [of marketing materials],” says Barry Daniels, president of CFS. “I’m more involved in United Way, because they support several organizations I like to work with.”

Groups that Daniels and his three-person team at CFS have supported over the years include Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The Family Center and Center of Hope Home. Now Daniels is preparing to give of his time as an individual to mentor young college students.

“Right now what I’m working with is Tennessee Achieves,” a program that pairs working professionals with college freshmen to mentor them through their transition, he says. “It’s a great program; I’m a college graduate myself; I worked full time and I went to school full-time, so I know what it’s like.”

In addition to promotional messages, Daniels says his team provides items for recognition efforts. “A lot of them want to do something nice for their donors, so with CASA, for instance, I provided portfolios with the donors’ names on them,” he says. “Organizations want products that are high-end, to be used as tokens of gratitude.” Daniels has provided plaques to groups who want to honor their supporters, as well.

Supporting community organizations with hard and soft goods is common among industry companies, but the print promotions that CFS provides are just as crucial to helping organizations publicize their efforts among targeted groups. This type of marketing is where consultancy can be especially valuable. “They come to me wanting to do something special, and asking me ‘what can you help us with’… allows me to do that. They might come up with a theme, and I will help with their design.”

Daniels, whose company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, acknowledges the impact that serving the community has on the success of his business.

“Folks that are also involved [in volunteering] and know what I’ve done remember me, and they come to me when they need something,” says Daniels. “Sometimes it’s a second- or third-tier (recognition) that sends people to me. They’ll say, ‘I heard about you from so-and-so’… who might have learned about me from someone I volunteered with.”

Charitable Gifts

These are just some of the printed products that CFW Printing & Promotions has provided to community organizations over the years. Daniels and his company remain active participants in the Columbia, Tennessee area, supporting groups that assist families and children in need.

promotions CASA notebook

Of Note This printed padfolio was offered to CASA of Maury County, which gave out the custom folders as a donor gift.

promotions UW bag

It’s In The Bag Simple, sturdy bags like this one for United Way can be printed with eye-catching logos and are good for multiple uses.

promotions UW fan

A Big Fan Printed hand-fans like Davids’ United Way samples are ideal for outdoor events such as awareness walks or information fairs.

Conduct Meaningful Community Service

Community service is a hallmark of the promotional products industry; both suppliers and distributors give time and funds to local and national causes on an annual basis. Here’s how your company can apply its particular skills to assisting neighborhood organizations that serve a particular demographic, or the community at large.

Pick A Charity

Whether it’s a national group conducting fundraising efforts or a local nonprofit providing services to individuals in need, companies of all sizes can contribute somewhere, somehow. Find one whose mission resonates with your staff, especially if you want your team members to be part of the effort.

Ask What They Need

Organization goals and stated missions are what drive a nonprofit’s needs. Sometimes it’s a website that will help promote a fundraising event; sometimes it’s toiletry bags for shelter residents. Examine whether your company’s services can be used to meet those needs—or whether individual staff members possess a unique skill or talent that they might want to use in service to a charitable group. Is your team’s work schedule flexible? Volunteer hours can be as valuable as donated products.

Put Your Best Face Forward

When you decide to donate products and services, don’t limit your interaction to phone calls or emails. Meet with groups in person so they know who you are and what your company does. Do the work on-site at their location, if possible, and present gifts or donations in person.