It’s never too early to teach your children to be givers. There are many ways you can serve others in the community as a family, while also making memories with your children that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for ways to help your children be more charitable, here are a few suggestions:
- Color a picture to give to community helpers, such as firemen, police officers, postal workers, teachers, etc. Delivered along with freshly baked cookies would be an added bonus!
- Donate books to a local school or library.
- Help collect canned goods for Feed My Sheep or the Maui Food Bank.
- Volunteer at the Maui Humane Society, giving needy animals the love and attention they need.
- Help make a “Blessing Bag” that can be given to a local homeless shelter or the homeless, themselves. Things to put in the gallon-size Ziploc bag can include: a mini water bottle, band-aids, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm, granola bars, tuna packs, trail mix, etc.
- Help make a “Bedtime Bag” for children staying at a local shelter. Items to include can be: a stuffed animal, blanket, book and toothbrush. Also, drawing a picture and writing a kind note would be thoughtful.
- Volunteer with you to help clean up local beaches and parks.
- Help you cook a meal for a family in need, then deliver it together.
- Set aside a portion of their chore money, and then donate it to a local nonprofit.
As you teach your child to be generous, you will give them a tool that will take them far in life: the understanding that it is far better to give than to receive.
