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Kids and charity
By Amy | February 18, 2008
I really believe that it is important to teach kids early about giving as well as receiving.
My children know that once they outgrow their clothes, we go through them to decide if they should be donated or thrown away. The one question I have them ask themselves is “would I want someone to give this to me?”
We’ve been doing this since Mel was about 6 and Lamont was about 4. Of course at that time I had to guide them more on what was appropriate to donate, but now they do a pretty good job themselves.
Lamont participated in a food drive at school during the holidays for the homeless. He asked me why they only do that during that time of the year. I believe his exact words were “aren’t they [the homeless] always hungry?”
Of course, you’ve heard the saying “from the mouths of babes.”
Every time we get a notice for a donation collection we begin to go through our things. Mel and Lamont look through their own rooms and find clothes and toys that are in good condition that they no longer use. I go through the rest of the house.
Anytime we are wanting to get rid of something larger such as appliances or furniture I call the charities in my community to ask if anyone wants them before I try to sell them. Of course the first thing we ask ourselves is “would I want this”. If the answer is no, it gets tossed instead.
I usually call the shelters first for women and children, then the church charities. You’d be surprised at how badly they need donations.
I think it says something about a person when they are willing to give to those less fortunate, and I also believe that positive energy flows through things like this. How good do you feel when you watch your kids open their Christmas or birthday gifts?
Imagine how good you’d feel knowing that those items you and your children don’t use anymore could mean the world to another kid that is less fortunate?
Teach your children how important it is to give now, and that will come back to them ten fold. When you feel good about something you’ve done for someone else, it shows…and it makes people want to do more and give you more as well. Maybe not material things, but those are the least important things in our lives anyway if you really look at it.
Those that are up today may not be tomorrow. Take a look at our economy, so many hardworking people are losing their jobs and homes…and for many it is due to no fault of their own.
If you are able to give, and can include your children in that, it will not only help others and make you feel good, but instill positive energy and habits for your children.
Just a little something we should all slow down and think about sometimes.
Til next time,
Amy
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