Looking for Some Unique Locally Sourced Gift Ideas? Try these and you might even qualify for an end of year tax deduction

Every year it’s the same thing, you search for just the right gift for each person on your list, often coming up short or settling for something that you know will be re-gifted. Here’s a few unique gift ideas that will also help local organizations and some even provide last-minute tax deductions.

A Gift that Will Inspire for Years to Come
Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland is constructing a meditation garden at their location in Haverstraw which will be unveiled on Earth Day, April 22, 2017. The garden is meant to also provide inspiration to those who find themselves at Catholic Charities in need of food or shelter regardless of their faith. You can purchase a brick in someone’s honor and have it engraved with a quote that inspires you. Bricks are $100 for a 4 x 4 or $175 for an 8 x 8. Your message of inspiration will have a permanent place and you’ll be helping people in need for years to come. Find out more at this link https://www.bricksrus.com/order/cccsr/ or call Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland at 845-942-5791. More information about their services is available at www.ccsrockland.org

Give the Gift of Mobility
BRiDGES is a not-for-profit organization that helps people with disabilities in Rockland lead more independent lives. They have raised 90% of the $100,000 needed to purchase two wheelchair accessible vans that will provide a much-needed transportation option to more people in Rockland. Your gift can be made in honor of someone and will help thousands of people have more freedom in 2017. Donate here https://www.razoo.com/us/story/Bridges-Vans or by mail to: BRiDGES, 873 Route 45, Suite 108, New City, NY 10956. Questions can be directed to Lorraine Greenwell lgreenwell@bridgesrc.org.

Sponsor a Woman Entrepreneur
Do you know a woman starting her own business or looking for more networking opportunities? Why not give her an annual membership in the Rockland Business Women’s Network. While you may not have heard of it, the organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2018. Membership is $175 per year. If that’s too steep, why not offer to pay for her to attend one of their luncheons? More information can be found at www.rbwn.org. The group also presents scholarships each year to area high school students and donations can be made directly to their scholarship fund.

Cookies for a Cause
Baking Memories 4 Kids is a Rockland based 501c3 started by cancer survivor Frank Squeo who wanted to find a way to help children with cancer and their families. What better way to help than to bake and sell chocolate chip cookies? But these aren't just any chocolate chip cookies, they are the best cookies you will ever eat; they are moist and delicious and tax deductible! What better way to celebrate the holidays than to give a locally produced gift of great tasting cookies and help children at the same time? In one weekend in December they baked 70,000 cookies all through volunteer efforts and Frank takes no salary for his efforts. Get them for your family, your clients or yourself this holiday and all year long. To order visit www.bakingmemories4kids.com. 

Cash on the Town
Cash on The Town Gift Certificates from the Pearl River Chamber of Commerce are available in $10, $15 or $25 denominations and can be purchased on the Pearl River Chamber of Commerce website at www.pearlriverny.org They can be used like cash in any Pearl River shop, restaurant or business that displays the Cash on The Town logo. They are a great way to support local businesses and give the recipient a choice of where to shop or dine.

Give a Piece of History
Did you know that you can purchase a membership in the Rockland Historical Society for as little as $100 and support their efforts to maintain and preserve the history of Rockland County? The Historical Society sponsors educational programs and publications and promotes the appreciation of history and the cultural heritage of the people of Rockland. They also have a host of unique and inexpensive publications available on their website that all talk about life in Rockland; a great gift for adults or children. More information can be found at www.rocklandhistory.org/

Down on the Farm
Rockland Farm Alliance is dedicated to preserving Rockland County’s remaining farmland. Their goal is to bring the community closer to the earth by localizing sustainable food production, building agricultural education programs and reconnecting residents to real food from the soil up. Why not give a membership to someone who shares these values? Membership levels, which start at $100, include free access to monthly workshops, invitation to a special supporting members dinner event, exclusive rates on farm tours and use of learning facilities, and larger memberships include thank you gift bags, mentions on the website’s Partner Page, VIP access to events, window decals, a feature article on a business in one edition of the RFA’s monthly publication to over 4,000 readers and an invitation to exclusive Executive Member lunch with local political influencers. More information can be found at http://www.rocklandfarm.org/

There are plenty of interesting gift options that have a local connection. If none of these spark your interest, do a Google search, you are sure to find plenty more! Follow my blog for more ideas at http://www.gmgpr.com/gmgpr-blog/ or on twitter at @gmgpr.

Risa B. Hoag is the founder and president of GMG Public Relations celebrating 25 years of providing award-winning creativity to clients in the NY area. The firm provides traditional public relations and marketing support as well as social media services. Risa is the co-founder and President of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, VP of Marketing for Rockland Business Women’s Network and creator and show host of The Bigger Picture radio show. For more information call 845-627-3000