October 1-31: Breast Cancer, Diversity, Domestic Violence and Skin Care Awareness Month. That’s a lot of important awareness to promote. Any company or organization can become involved, using almost any product. 1-31: National Dessert and Cookie Month. A natural for bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants and similar institutions, but offices can get in on the fun by holding employee contests – with logoed aprons, oven mitts, cooking utensils or other similar products as prizes. 1-7: National Customer Service Week. The altar at which every successful firm worships, or at least should. Remember, if the customers aren’t happy, they find somewhere else to go. Perhaps small customer-appreciation gifts (keytags, pens, etc.) can be given or sent out, while customer-service incentives (plaques, leather portfolios) can be used among employees. 4: International Toot Your Flute Day. A day given totally over to self-promotion, even of the benignly shameless variety. Hey, if you don’t do it, who will? Imprinted flutes can be used for a literal interpretation, but small plastic horns or bells will work well, too, as would more traditional products. 8: Chicago Fire Anniversary. Chicago Fire Anniversary. In 1871. Whether or not it was really Mrs. O’Leary’s cow doesn’t matter. What does is that the fire killed 200, left 98,500 homeless and destroyed 17,450 buildings. A good opportunity for local fire departments, schools, home firefighting equipment manufacturers/sellers and civic-minded organizations to stress fire safety and prevention. 10-16: National Wildlife Week. National Wildlife Week. Zoos, environmental organizations and more can help promote wildlife preservation. Plush versions of animals are an obvious choice, but wearables, lapel pins, etc., can be used, too. 13: Friday The Thirteenth. The triskaidekaphobes’ terror. Fortunately, the only one of the year. Could be interesting to make the various bad-luck superstitions the focus of a tongue-in-cheek promo. Imprinted mirrors, black plush cats, mini-ladders, etc. 15: National Grouch Day. Dedicated to good-natured slamming of grouches, it’s another purely fun occasion. Lots of logoed stuff can be employed, but “Groucho” plastic nose/mustache/glasses might make the biggest splash ... 22-28: National Save Your Back Week. Stressing the importance of proper lifting and unnecessary strain. Health care agencies, insurance firms and chiropractors can all jump in. 28: Make A Difference Day. Make A Difference Day. There’s a national aspect, true, but why not help organize something on a local level? Once again, any company can become involved, with imprinted products used as thank-yous and reminders. 31: National Magic Day. Traditionally observed on Houdini’s birthday. A magic-themed lunch or dinner could be interesting and unexpected – complete with logoed magic tricks.