Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays
It's hard to believe that we are less than two weeks away from Christmas and three weeks away from a new year. This is the time factories hopefully are cranking out last minute orders before the holiday shutdowns. This is the time retailers are trying to grab those last minute sales hoping to finish the year strong. And this is the time sales and sales management are reviewing the year's performance and determining what to forecast for 2012. And all that is on top of trying to buy presents for friends, families, co-workers and customers. Yes, it's a stressful and hectic time of year.

But with all the hustle and bustle of the season we should all take time out to count our blessings. Because no matter what our circumstances, there are still way too many people whose stress is more about survival - the homeless and the unemployed, the weak and the abused.

This was brought to my attention last week when I visited Slumberland Furniture. The annual Homes for the Holiday event they sponsor helps those less fortunate in their communities have a bed to sleep on. Traditionally this has been monetarily supported by the Larson family as well as the associates of Slumberland who help out in donated time and annual payroll deductions. A few key suppliers like their bedding partners also help provide mattresses at reduced pricing and other gifts.

Ken Larson put the mission most succinctly when he said "Little kids do not deserve to sleep on the floor." And the need is incredibly great. Imagine an abused woman and child out on the street, an aging person who has no money or family to care for them, or a refugee who has ended up in the community with no means of support. Working with multiple charities, Slumberland was able to donate beds to help 2000 deserving people have a good night's sleep where they may not otherwise have the luxury you and I take for granted. You can find out more information or make a donation at www.40winksfoundation.org.

This is just one of many great community events that generous people in our industry will do this season. Don't let hectic business overshadow the spirit of goodwill from the holidays. Take time out to help someone less fortunate than you this season. It's a very satisfying and fulfilling experience because the need is so great, especially when times are tough.

If there are other events you are involved with and would like to have others in our industry know about, please be sure and comment below.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year.