The GHBC Employee Gift Fund is an annual campaign run by resident volunteers who raise money for distribution to over 430 GHBC employees below the level of “director/administrator.” The Employee Gift Fund is the only way employees can receive gifts from residents who appreciate their services throughout the year.

Based on Goodwin House policy, employees are forbidden from accepting gifts or gratuities of any kind. Employees are dismissed if they fail to follow policy. However, each fall, with the endorsement and cooperation of Goodwin House management, residents can raise and distribute funds to show their appreciation of our amazing staff. Contributions to this fund can be made any time by writing a check payable to the GHBC Employee Gift Fund and placing it in the “Employee Gift Fund” box in the Mailroom.

Donations to the Employee Gift Fund are not tax deductible. Our monetary gifts to employees are considered gifts, not tips. Tips are taxable; our gifts to our staff are not taxable to them. The campaign is not a 501(c) (3). It is a resident-run campaign with a resident-managed bank account.

HOW DO I GIVE?
Contributions to this fund can be made any time with a check payable to the “GHBC Employee Gift Fund.” Most residents deposit checks in the designated box in the Mailroom. Some find it easier to budget a monthly amount and set up an automatic bill payment through their bank. Assisted Living residents can give their checks to the Assisted Living director. Family members wishing to support the Employee Gift Fund can mail their checks to Executive Assistant, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA 22041.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Each resident or family decides what to donate, weighing gratitude to staff against their own financial circumstances. No arbitrary demands are made upon residents since financial situations vary and no one should be made to feel uncomfortable. A suggested range of giving is $4 to $7 per day times the number of days you live at GHBC this year. Full-time residents would multiply by 365 days. If you are donating as a couple, you would then double that amount. Residents may give more, of course!

The Gift Fund is our way to express gratitude for the caring services provided by our employees. It is nearly impossible to count the ways in which they help us every single day:  preparing nutritious meals, providing medical support and personal care to meet our health needs, performing weekly housekeeping, laundry, trash removal, maintenance and repairs, and much, much more. 

WILL OTHERS KNOW WHAT I GIVE?
No. Only two people will see your check: GHBC's Executive Assistant, who makes out the deposit slip, and the Wells Fargo bank teller. The Gift Fund treasurer receives a sealed envelope from the Executive Assistant for each deposit to take to the bank.

WHAT DO EMPLOYEES RECEIVE?
All employees, except officers, directors/administrators and contractors, receive checks from the Employee Gift Fund in early December. The amount each employee receives is a pro-rated share determined by employment status (full time, part time or on call) and length of service. In 2021, 419 checks were written, in amounts ranging from $50 to $3,520. In March 2023 the Resident Council approved increasing the minimum gift from $50 to $100. Details on the formula are spelled out in the Employee Gift Fund Charter; see link at the bottom of this page. Employees have used their monetary gifts for a variety of purposes, such as sending money to families back home, providing holiday feasts and gifts, and helping with the costs of education.

EMPLOYEE GIFT FUND COMMITTEE
The Employee Gift Fund Committee is responsible for the overall operation of the annual campaign to solicit and receive monetary donations from residents and families for distribution to GHBC employees as gifts at year end. It meets as needed. Residents interested in participating are invited to contact one of the co-chairs. The 2023  chairs are the Residents of the Sixth Floor of the Crossroads. Contact Claudia Blake, apt. 636, ext. 7485, blake.claudia@gmail.com. The Treasurer is Christie Donald, apt 1373, ext. 3191, christiehdonald@gmail.com.

The Committee’s Charter, approved by the Resident Council, spells out the organization and responsibilities of the Fund, and spells out the formula for distribution of money to the employees. Click HERE for the Employee Gift Fund Charter.

Hippo donates to the 2022 Employee Gift Fund "Thank You Notes"