3 Easy & Meaningful Ways to Give for the Holidays

Posted by Barbara Winthrop, OTR, MA, CVE, CHT, FAOTA 11/15/2015

As the holiday season draws near, it’s natural to think of those less fortunate than ourselves who may need help braving the cold.  Thank you to those of you who gifted gloves and mittens to the ASHT Share the Gloves program at this year’s 38th Annual Meeting in Denver!

Share the Gloves is an outreach program that started at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Chicago by bringing new gloves and mittens to donate to a local charity located in the city where we hold the ASHT Annual Meeting. This year, hands will stay warmer and more comfortable for those at Urban Peak, a homeless shelter that serves up to 2,500 youth ages 15-24, annually.
This gifting program was started to not only lend a hand to those in need, but also to let the city hosting ASHT and its conference attendees know our appreciation. Denver, thank you for hosting us!
With Thanksgiving just days away, many of us find ourselves reflecting on all we are thankful for and how we can give back. Naturally, generosity may be focused first on family, friends and loved ones – our “home community.”
This time of year brings people together in our professional community, too. It’s the perfect season to thank the people who have contributed to your success as a hand therapist; continuing to build those relationships with your colleagues and referral sources by acknowledging them in a meaningful way. Please consider making a gift in their honor this holiday season by donating to one of ASHT's restricted funds:

Vision Fund: Dedicated to the support of ASHT government affairs, advocacy, education and research projects and ASHT’s strategic initiatives.

Awards & Scholarship Fund: Dedicated to promoting or recognizing professional development.

Annual Meeting Sessions Fund: Gifts to this fund help ASHT continue the quality programs hand therapists need.

As you make your gift list during the holiday season, please consider strengthening one of ASHT’s initiatives by making a gift to one of our society’s funds, and at the same time allowing your generosity to honor someone important to you.
Your ASHT family thanks you for your continued support and sends each of you and your families our warmest good wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!
Barbara Winthrop, OTR, MA, CVE, CHT, FAOTA
ASHT President-Elect