A Season for Giving

Five ways to instill a spirit of giving in your child during the holidays

The holidays are a time for getting presents. However, they also provide a great chance to teach your kids about the importance of giving back by helping others in the community. How can you instill this spirit?

Here are five ways you can teach your child the art of giving during the holiday season.

1. Be an example

Perhaps the most powerful lesson is the one you demonstrate. Kids learn by watching their parents. If your child sees you being charitable, he or she will pick up on those cues. Find a cause you support, and work together as a family to meet a goal.

2. Make a donation

Nonprofit organizations are always looking for donations, especially during the holidays. Have your child save money throughout the year by creating a “share jar.” Your child can earn funds for the jar by doing chores around the house. Then find an organization or local charity, and donate the saved money at the end of the year.

Here are several sources to help you find local and national organizations:

• DonorsChoose.org connects teachers with donors. You can choose the project your child wants to support.
• World Wildlife Fund offers a chance for your animal-loving child to make a difference for threatened or endangered species.
• You can donate to local animal shelters that help abandoned pets find forever homes. Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center and the Humane Society of Broward are here in our community.
• Make-A-Wish grants wish for children who have life-threatening illnesses.

3. Donate holiday gifts to sick or disadvantaged children

There are dozens of organizations that hold holiday toy drives. Local TV and radio stations often partner with charities, as do many businesses. Hospitals also have toy drives for seriously ill children who cannot go home during the season.

4. Help a neighbor

You do not always have to give money or gifts. Look around the neighborhood, and find ways your child can donate his or her time.

Here are a few ideas:

• Do yard work or housecleaning for an elderly neighbor.
• Offer babysitting services to the single mother down the street so she can do her holiday shopping.
• Bake cookies or other holiday treats for the neighbors.

5. Send holiday cards to soldiers overseas

Men and women in the armed services rarely get to see their families for the holidays. Sending a card can help brighten an otherwise lonely season. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes will send cards to active service members, veterans, and their families.

Holiday charity starts at home

Inspire a giving spirit this season with these five creative ideas. If you would like suggestions for how you can make a difference in our community during the holidays, be sure to connect with us.