Crossword Genius

Make people a gift (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

donation

'a gift' is the definition.
(donation is a kind of gift)

'make people' is the wordplay.
'make' becomes 'do' (doing is a kind of making).
'people' becomes 'nation'.
'do'+'nation'='DONATION'

(Other definitions for donation that I've seen before include "An offering or charitable gift" , "Gift or contribution" , "Do anoint by way of a gift" , "presentation" , "Money given to charity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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