Teach your children the value of charity. It’ll help them appreciate what they have. Plus, it’ll set a wonderful example for your kids that’ll last beyond the holidays.
Embrace the True Spirit of Giving
Explain to your kids that you don’t need money to help the needy — donating time and effort is just as meaningful.
Go Caroling at a Senior Center
Call your local senior center to see if there’s a volunteer program. Rehearse carols as a family ahead of time, and teach your kids about kindness. The joy kids bring will be apparent in the residents’ smiles.
Sponsor Children’s Organizations
Talk to your kids about donating to a children’s charity. Discuss different options and let them decide which charity to sponsor. Getting your kids involved in the process is the first step to helping them become adults who give back.
Give Spare Change
“Every little bit adds up” is the lesson of many spare change–collecting charities. Share this with your children as you deposit change or dollar bills into the charity’s designated containers. Get your kids more involved — have them deposit the money in themselves. Always make sure to donate to legitimate charities.
Clean Up Outdoors
Put together a group of neighbors, family members and friends to clean a local park or playground. If you live in a snowy area or if it’s too cold outside, contact your child’s school to see if classrooms or play areas need cleaning or fixing up. Bring hot chocolate. It’ll help keep everyone’s spirits high while you work. Include small children in the effort — give them small pails and gloves so they feel involved.
Donate Gifts to Families in Need
Preparing your holiday shopping list? Set aside a few gifts to donate to local charities that assist families in need. For less than $10, you can pick up a new toy to delight a child who may not have otherwise gotten any presents. Check to see if gifts should be left unwrapped, and ask if your family can donate time organizing and distributing gifts.
