Teambuilding activities containing a corporate social responsibility element can be particularly meaningful to participants and effective in fostering trust and confidence among your attendees. It's no surprise, then, that meeting planners commonly seek projects that leave a positive impact on the destinations where they gather. Branson offers a variety of opportunities for your group to bond while helping the community. Here are just a few:
Branson Hollister Senior Center
Seniors are offered a daily meal at the Branson Senior Center, located within the Branson Community Center, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteering to help the elderly is a popular group activity that fosters feelings of goodwill among participants and the Branson Senior Center is always in need of volunteers. Take your small group to their lunch program and help with cooking, serving and greeting seniors, or even assist with the Meals on Wheels home delivery. Call (417) 335-4801 for more info on volunteering.
Christian Action Ministries
Each year Christian Action Ministries distributes tens of thousands of pounds of food and grocery products to hungry and needy people in the Branson community through its food pantry. The distribution is made possible by regular donations from companies and individuals. Whether it's a bag of groceries or a case of toothpaste, every donation helps Branson-area residents facing poverty and hunger. Regardless the size of your group, a food drive is a simple way to give back to the community. Add some pizzazz to the activity by holding a contest for the largest donation or raffle a prize with tickets awarded for each item donated. Contact Christian Action Ministries at (417) 334-1157 for specific needs.
Elevate Branson
Founded in 2008, Elevate Branson, previously known as Jesus Was Homeless, provides meals, employment training and healthcare access to those in need. The organization seeks volunteers for meal preparation and deliveries every Thursday. Groups can also help the organization by donating items from the Jesus Was Homeless wish list, including toiletries and a variety of food items, as well as certain equipment for the program to use. For more information about volunteering or donating items call their office at 417.335.9915.
Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society
What could give your group a warm, fuzzy feeling more than cuddling some warm and fuzzy animals? The Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society serves the needs of homeless dogs and cats in the Branson area. There are a variety of ways to help the organization, which has an ongoing "wish list" of needed items, as well as special needs that arise every so often. One of the easiest ways to help is by holding a donation drive, asking members of your group to bring cat and dog food, cat litter, laundry soap, toys, collars – even office supplies are appreciated. Some of the society's ongoing needs include dog walkers, cat cuddlers, adoption center cleaning and organizing and thrift store helpers (both locations). Donations can be dropped off at the Adoption Center. Call (417) 337-7387 for more information.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Stampede is a popular Branson destination for groups to build comradery while making memories to last a lifetime. Why not stick with the Dolly theme when planning a philanthropic team builder? Dolly's Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to more than 750,000 children each month, improving early-childhood literacy in more than 1,600 communities. To continue reaching even more young readers, the program counts on donations. Why not bring your group together by hosting a Dolly Parton lookalike contest or a Dolly Karaoke night? You can collect a fee for each contest entry or even charge $1 per vote to choose the favorite, and donate the proceeds to the Imagination Library.
Branson Christmas For Kids
You can help make this Christmas one to remember for kids within Branson Public Schools. Monetary donations of any amount and gift cards to Walmart or Target will be used to purchase essential items for students in need. The goal is for each student to receive a new hoodie, hat/gloves, one package of socks, one package of underwear, and a toy or non-clothing item. The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB is proud to partner with Branson Public Schools, Hilton Hotels and Chateau on the Lake in hopes of making the holidays a little brighter and a little warmer for nearly 1,000 students in our community. For more information contact Grant Sloan at (417) 844-3633.
National Tiger Sanctuary
The National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue organization that provides a permanent home for exotic and domestic animals. After touring the facility and observing big cats like never before, your group can get involved with this worthy organization through a variety of volunteer projects. From guiding tours to cleaning habitats, every task plays an important role in running the sanctuary and ultimately taking care of the animals. Various ways to help include adopting your favorite cat, purchasing items on the sanctuary's wish list, sending donations and volunteering your time to help. Contact (417) 587-3633 for more details on how to help.
There are plenty of ways to give back to the Branson community and your group will experience true appreciation by these organizations in the Ozarks. Volunteer projects and donation drives are welcomed by a variety of other organizations, ensuring your Branson meeting or convention is fondly remembered by your entire group. Still unsure where to begin? The Branson-Lakes Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau is available to help meeting planners with any questions and can be reached at [email protected].