Many companies and organizations turn holiday-party operations into help for Sandy victims

‘Tis the season for the gala that gives back.

This year, many city employers are turning holiday parties into Hurricane Sandy charity drives.

Dress for Success, a nonprofit that helps women find work, is giving up its annual lunch and manicure to throw 40 kids in the Rockaways a Dec. 13 party featuring Hot 97’s Street Team.

“We’re in the business of giving back, and we wanted to help,” says Suzanne Elliott, the charity’s chief operating officer. “We put together a fun evening for them with gifts, music and the opportunity to escape.”

Do-gooders aren’t just donating their fetes to the greater good. The 2012 Battalia Winston Holiday Party Survey reports that 51% of companies across the country are donating to charity, up from just 39% last year.

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