As a mother-owned business, I know what a new, warm pair of pajamas can mean to any child during winter. But for a foster child who may be in a brand new situation during the holiday season, with none of his or her own belongings, it means tremendously more.

Inspired by friends of ours who took in and eventually adopted two boys from the foster care system, my Maple Valley-based company, Dawson Communications Group, hosted a pajama drive for Treehouse, a Seattle-based organization that works to improve the lives of local foster children. As a sole proprietor, I know that what I can do is small. However, I believe it has a big impact on those who are touched by the gift, and my company’s giving program is the most important aspect of my business launched less than two years ago.

Additionally, I am contributing 2 percent of each client’s November invoice to charity. I provided them with a list of five charities the company supports, and each client chose where they want their donation to go.

Editor’s note: Dawson reports that she and her children delivered 38 pairs of pajamas to Treehouse on Dec. 9. “I think it’s so important to lead by example and show our children how to give and how sometimes the small things make a big difference,” she said.

Karen Dawson’s company provides communications-related services for businesses.