Christmas is more than a holiday for veteran entrepreneurs—it's a reminder of the service mindset that got us here. While the season brings sales opportunities, it also opens a powerful window to give back in ways that align with our values: duty, honor, and looking out for those who served alongside us or came after. The beautiful part? Genuine community support during the holidays doesn't just feel good—it builds unbreakable customer loyalty. Studies show that 78% of consumers prefer brands that give back, and they're willing to pay 10-20% more for products or services from companies that support causes they care about. When that cause is veterans, the connection runs even deeper. Here are 7 practical, scalable ways your veteran-owned business can give back this Christmas—and turn seasonal goodwill into year-round loyalty. 1. Partner with Toys for Tots or Similar Local Drives The Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys for children in need. Many local chapters welcome business partners. How to execute: Set up a drop-off box in your physical location (or virtual “donation link” for online businesses) Match customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to a set amount Promote the partnership on social media and email with photos of the collection box Loyalty boost: Customers love seeing their purchase directly help kids—share updates like “Thanks to you, we delivered 150 toys!” 2. Offer Free or Discounted Services to Gold Star Families or Disabled Veterans Identify local Gold Star families or disabled veterans through VFW posts, American Legion chapters, or VA networks. How to execute: Reserve a set number of free/discounted slots (e.g., 10 free consultations, 5 complimentary products) Create a simple application form on your website (“Christmas Community Support Request”) Deliver the service/product with a handwritten thank-you note Loyalty boost: Word spreads fast in tight-knit veteran communities—recipients often become vocal advocates. 3. Host a “Pay It Forward” Customer Campaign Let customers turn their purchase into a gift for someone else. How to execute: For every purchase over a certain amount, offer to donate a product/service to a veteran in need Or let customers “buy one, gift one” at cost Publicly thank participants (with permission) on social media Loyalty boost: Customers feel like partners in the mission, increasing repeat purchases by 25-35% on average. 4. Organize Employee Volunteer Hours with Veteran Organizations If you have a team (even part-time), formalize volunteer time. How to execute: Close early one day or offer paid hours for volunteering at local veteran shelters, food banks, or holiday meal programs Partner with organizations like Operation Homefront or local VA hospitals Share team photos (with permission) doing the work Loyalty boost: Customers connect with businesses that prioritize people over profit. 5. Create a Christmas Matching Donation Program Commit to matching customer contributions to a veteran-focused charity. How to execute: Choose a reputable organization (e.g., Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House, or local vet homeless shelter) For every sale or specific product purchased, donate a percentage or fixed amount Track progress publicly (“We’re 60% to our $5,000 goal—thank you!”) Loyalty boost: Transparency builds trust; customers feel their dollars have double impact. 6. Spotlight Veteran Employees or Suppliers in Your Holiday Marketing Amplify the voices already in your ecosystem. How to execute: Feature short profiles on social media and email (“Meet John, our Army vet warehouse lead—here’s why he loves the holiday season”) Highlight veteran-owned suppliers you work with Run a “Veteran Voices” video series sharing holiday messages Loyalty boost: Reinforces your commitment to the community and attracts like-minded customers. 7. Send Gratitude Gifts to Past Customers A small, unexpected thank-you goes a long way. How to execute: Mail a branded holiday card with a $5–$10 gift card (coffee shop, Amazon, or your own product) Or send a digital “Veteran Holiday Survival Kit” PDF (tips, recipes, resources) Include a note: “Thank you for supporting a veteran-owned business this year.” Loyalty boost: Surprise reciprocity—customers remember who made them feel valued. The Bigger Picture: Why Giving Back Is the Ultimate Business Strategy  These actions aren't just "nice to do"—they're smart business. When you give back authentically: Customer retention increases 25–50% Word-of-mouth referrals rise dramatically Your brand becomes synonymous with the values customers already hold dear You attract employees and partners who share your mission And the best part? It scales with your business. Start small this Christmas—one partnership, one donation drive—and watch it grow into a core part of your identity. This holiday season, lead with the same spirit that carried you through service: putting others first. Your community will notice. Your customers will remember. And your business will thrive because of it. From all of us at Code Camo—thank you for letting veteran businesses serve you. Wishing you and yours a meaningful Christmas.