The holidays are a great time to teach children about the Spirit of Giving. This season is known for being a time when families come in out of the cold to eat food together, and many suburban children rarely see people who are homeless, hungry, or without adequate warm clothing. Therefore, it’s especially important to teach children how to be compassionate and concerned for people in need. Volunteering together is a great way to allow children to experience the Spirit of Giving first hand, and local support is always needed and appreciated.
Here are some ways to help spread the “Spirit of Giving” to your child:
- Talk to your child and explain to them that some children and families do not have money to buy coats, food, or toys this year. Help them understand what it would be like for someone their age to not have a home, a roof, a warm house, or enough food to eat. Share stories of those in need, and show them the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s video of people who have been helped by the donations of others.
- Donate Food. Have your child put all their favorite foods in a bag and bring it to a Contra Costa Food Bank drop off location. Many families struggle to put enough food on the table, and the holiday season can be extra difficult ensuring there is food to eat.
- Donate Clothing. Have your child go through their closet and find gently used winter gear that he/she has outgrown or no longer wears. Put all of the clothing in a bag and bring it to a One Warm Coat collection station. Be sure to remind your child that the coats will help another child stay warm this winter!
- Donate Toys. Take your child shopping for a toy to donate. Ask the rest of your family if they would like to contribute, and then talk to your child about what kinds of ideas they have for the gift they want to buy. Give your child enough time to browse for the right gift, and remind your child that your are finding a toy for someone else to keep him/her from getting distracted. Once you have the toy, bring it by our office or to the nearest Toys for Tots collection station.
- Volunteer. Volunteering together as a family is a great way to establish a tradition that also provides an opportunity for your child to give back to the community. Children really look forward to traditions over the holidays, so incorporating volunteering into your holidays can really teach your child about the importance of helping others and create strong habits. The Glide Memorial Church holds holiday dinners where families can volunteer together. For more information, check out their website.
- Create your own donation campaign. Donate to a cause that relates to your child’s interests. For example, if your child likes animals, donate items to a local animal shelter. Finding a cause that is already important to your child will help them become more interested in giving back.
Let your child think about who they can help, what they can do to help, and allow them to assist in collecting and delivering the items. This will give them a sense of being involved and actually giving, and help them become better citizens of the world.
Happy Holidays and Happy Giving!
