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Drives that collect food, clothing, and necessities for those in need often bring out a smile from even the most steadfast cubicle curmudgeon. In addition to boosting employee morale the most important outcome is that those who are in need get help from those who can - and are willing - to share.

So, how do we go about organizing these events? Here are some suggestions that will work all year round and keep us focused on the fact that no matter how difficult our situations, there are always those whose need is much greater than ours. We all know the tried and true yearly events, but here are a few not-so-run-of-the-mill suggestions for events along with ways to make them flow smoothly.

PERMISSION: Before you organize any drive, make sure that it has been approved by management and those who make the decisions. You do not want to put yourself in a position where a simple Christmas food drive becomes a legal issue because it is not inclusive of other beliefs. The legal team or management should always give you the green light before anything is planned.

DELEGATION: Lest all the responsibility fall on one person, have at least two or three people who are willing to help you with the event. Management should always be involved, if possible, because they are responsible for the activities of their unit and do answer to those higher up for any problems, difficulties, or dilemmas.

Need knows no season, so while Christmas is a popular time, make it a point to do things for those less fortunate at different times during the year.

FOOD: Collecting cans or non-perishable food items is very big around Thanksgiving or harvest time, but sponsoring a different family once a month or taking a refugee shelter as your company philanthropy allows us to be mindful year round and is a great alternative to the "once a year" mindset. Refugees who are in the process of starting a new life in a different country are often in need of basics and having a drive to help get them started is a great way to give someone a new chance at a great life.

As for hard work and effort, a "dress down" or casual dress day is a super reward for a job well done. If there is a huge surplus of cans at the end of the collection, call several local homeless shelters and divide the cans or call just one and choose a different charity each year. No matter who gets the food that year, one thing is certain. Poverty and need will still be around next year.

You might want to make a rule that no one can bring in canned

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