Thank you. Those two words can brighten a day and make a real difference in the lives of residents living in apartment communities. And there is a business case for expressing your gratitude: Residents of multifamily apartments who feel appreciated—in both word and action—are more likely to renew their leases and recommend the property to others, both online and offline.
What better time than a nationally recognized day of gratitude to extend that appreciation. Here are our top tips for illustrating gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
Provide a Free Turkey to Each Apartment
Jeanie Smith, property manager with Donaldson’s Aspen Hill Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland, says there is real excitement among her residents during the Thanksgiving holiday because each apartment unit receives a free turkey—all prepped and ready to
cook—from a local grocer. Smith is proud of her property’s show of appreciation, “We have been doing this ever since [2019], and residents are so grateful and look forward to it every year now.”
Pay It Forward to a Local/Regional Food Bank
In Brighton, New York, a local food bank benefits from the gratitude of management and residents of Rustic Village Apartments. The Tri City Rentals’ property gathers its residents for a neighbor mix-and-mingle event while enjoying a variety of seasonal pies and beverages. Residents also donate nonperishable food items to a local food bank.
Folks living in Dayrise Residential properties in Houston participate in a “Share Your Holidays” drive for food and pet items, sponsored by the local ABC-TV affiliate. “The communities have fun with it, and each comes up with a different theme to engage collections and participation,” says Hector Villarreal, director of marketing. “We know this time of year always shines a spotlight on our mission, and this year will be no different. Due to the global pandemic, the need is still elevated and will continue until the slowdown picks back up. When our teams work together in helping our community, that is when we genuinely rise to shine.”
Host a Regional Canned Food Drive Contest
Embrey takes the canned food drive a step further. This year, it is hosting a portfoliowide canned food drive contest as an effort to create “community within communities.” Jasmine Toney, marketing strategist for Embrey, says each region has a can collection goal, and if they achieve that goal, they enter a raffle to win $4,000 for their region’s food bank. The most cans collected by a property wins $2,000 for its region’s food bank. The contest ends Dec. 13, 2021.
Plan a “Friendsgiving Day”
Michael Mathis and his team at Kentlands Manor Senior Apartments in Gaithersburg, Maryland, host a “Friendsgiving Day,” where residents are invited to attend a fully prepared Thanksgiving meal. Most attendees bring a dessert to share and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow residents. Now in its third year, this annual event has become a joyful gathering for the community.
Provide Special Discounts on Area Restaurants and Businesses
“At Cardinal Group, we are thankful for our residents year-round, but we love to take the opportunity around Thanksgiving to remind them of how much we appreciate them,” shares Jen Cassidy, senior vice president of student operations. Many communities host residents for a Thanksgiving feast—with team members preparing the meals. Others provide special discounts on area restaurants and businesses as a thank you for choosing Cardinal properties as their home away from home. “We also facilitate philanthropic events such as canned food drives and Toys for Tots at this time of year. We organize drop-off locations to make it more convenient for our residents to participate as we know that giving back is important to those that live with us,” adds Cassidy.
Host a Turkey Bowl
Retreat at Iron Horse, an Embrey property in Franklin, Tennessee, hosts an annual "Turkey Bowl,” which is the residents' favorite event of the year. The residents bowl with Cornish hens and inflatable bowling pens. The winning team gets a turkey. Residents enjoy either a potluck or light appetizers and have a fun evening.
Organize a Potluck Resident Event
Some properties with Morgan Group host a potluck and participate in the Houston Apartment Association Food Drive for community involvement.
To host a potluck event, post a sign-up sheet for residents to bring various parts of a meal and gather in a community room, and, perhaps, the property can furnish a turkey for the occasion. Offer them an opportunity to speak and say one thing they’re grateful for this holiday season.
Thanksgiving is a great time to remind friends, family, coworkers, and residents that you appreciate them, in whatever way you can.
