Welcome Baskets

I am new to HOA involvement. Our association is still relatively young and our social committee wants to come up with a way to welcome newcomers. I have read the welcome basket posts but would like some more current responses if anyone has new ideas. Thank you for your help.

We don't give newcomers baskets, but we do send a Welcome Package. This package consists of a letter informing the newbies of the existence of the HOA, which they should already be aware of, but serves as a reminder. It also includes a contact list for board members, the most recent newsletter, a paperback book that is published by the local newspaper with tons of information about the area, and a colorful flyer that suggests ways to be a good neighbor. We also include a copy of our CCR's - just in case their realtor or title company did not make them aware! We've had lots of thanks for sending it. I would like to add a gift card, maybe for a local restaurant, like a pizza place, you know how hectic moving can be! But so far, can't get the rest of the board to go along with that.

I think your idea of a basket is great. I haven't seen the welcome basket posts so I don't know what ideas you have already seen, but some of the things you could include might be a restaurant gift card. You might check with your local chamber of commerce or newspaper and see if they publish any informational pamplets about your area. Good luck!

Out welcome basket consists of a quick reference guide on trash days, basic parking rules, important telephone number and other community guidelines. Then hit the dollar store and pickup some cheaps plastic utility baskets, a flashlights, a candle, an inexpensive tackhammer set and picture hangers, along with the magnet holding contact phone numbers for essential services, as well as UM Committees and information." Also included is a welcome letter from the HOA. In addition, the committee can get gift $10 certificates from local restaurants and neighboring stores that want draw in new customers. Then when you drop them off the basket, invite them personally to the next board meeting. This is an excellent opportunity for them to meet their new neighbors and also a great opportunity for the BOD to recruit new volunteers.

Our welcome baskets did well initially after residents donated items from their businesses. After a while it got too taxing since there was a lot of turnover in the neighborhood. Now, the Women's Club hosts a monthly meeting and they require all participants to bring one (1) item to donate to the gift baskets (gift cards, candles, gardening tools, etc.)