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4 Ways to Increase Community Engagement During the Holiday Season

Successful community associations all have one thing in common: their leaders are focused on building a strong sense of community. Engaged residents are happy residents, and the holiday season is the perfect time to bring your community together and show them you care. Here are four ways you can increase community engagement during the holiday season.

  1. Deck the halls.

Get in the holiday spirit and decorate your community for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza, Christmas and New Year’s. Contact Associa OnCall, Associa’s maintenance service provider, to hang up holiday lights or recruit residents to help in exchange for hot cider and doughnuts.

  1. Host small events.

Organize small, interactive gatherings for your community like a cookie exchange or candle swap. During these events neighbors can get to know one another and spread some holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

  1. Bring in local entertainment.

Give your residents an opportunity to escape the holiday stress and relax by enjoying some festive entertainment. Reach out to a local school or club and see if they have a choir, ensemble or hand bell group that can come perform for your community.

  1. Organize a donation drive.

The holiday season is the perfect time to give back. Place donation boxes in the amenities center, office or clubhouse to collect toys, canned goods, toiletries or other contributions for local charities and pet shelters to pick up. Make sure to get the word out to residents in advance using communication tools like TownSq. Keep in mind that even after the holidays are over, there is still a need for charitable donations.

About the Author

Gail Richvalsky is the lifestyle director for K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay. She has more than 20 years’ experience in lifestyle management, most of that within 55+ communities. Richvalsky began lifestyle event planning in the Sunbelt area, organizing activities in winter resorts for active adults. Over the past 40 years, she has spent most of her days enjoying life, having fun and partaking in many memorable experiences.

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