Growing Up Giving
‘Tis the season for gift guides and wish lists, and although that’s part of the fun, we all know the true spirit of Christmas is that of giving. As thoughts of Santa and stockings take over, it’s up to us parents to shine a light on what the season is about and to help our children be a part of the real magic. Here are a few ideas to help even your youngest to grow up giving.
Donating toys or clothes that have been outgrown is admittedly easier when you sort through solo, but involving your child is a conversation starter about giving. Some of the most charitable places to donate your gently used toys and clothes are The Food Bank, Crisis Nursery, Salvation Army, Village Green, and Mission Thrift Store. Or, connect with families directly via the Over the Rainbow Facebook page.
Crisis Nursery also accepts new toys to gift on Christmas morning. If it’s within your means to add a few items to your shopping list, your child will delight in picking them out. I gave my daughter, Petra a budget last year and she took the shopping task seriously, delivering each with a sincere hope her picks would be every child’s favorite toy that year.
Sometimes kids have a bit of money to spend be it from grandparents or a fiver birthday party. Encouraging them to share is surprisingly easy when they’re given a choice in who to help. My drop loonies into the CNIB dog statues but letting them buy their favourite mac and cheese to give would be an easy sell, too. Recently, Petra started a piggy bank for Street Cat Rescue, popping coins in when the chance arises. She’s looking forward to delivering the donation so cats can be bought food.
Of course, ‘giving’ extends beyond money or material things. A random acts of kindness jar costs nothing to create or execute. Brainstorm ideas like “shovel for a neighbor” or “write a thank-you note to to the local fire department”, then choose one daily as a kindness countdown to Christmas!
Organizing a donation drive seems a daunting task but in my experience organizing clothing drives for The Food Bank, the community Facebook page is an awesome resource and people are happy to help! Take your child door-to-door a few days before the drive to let neighbors know you’ll be coming by so they can leave bags out. Then, day of, your child can help collect bags within walking distance.
It’s not just people that need care, the SPCA encourages folks to come walk the dogs anytime during business hours. You’ll hold the leash but your child will share in the experience. This is something even a baby in a carrier will enjoy, proving one is never too young to volunteer.
Making Christmas cards for seniors without family to cheer them during the holidays is rewarding for your little artist and for the recipients of their work. Contact a nearby assisted living facility or nursing home to arrange drop-off— they’ll be able to distribute the cards to those who need a lift, as they know the residents. Visits are also very welcome!
Do you know mom with a new baby? I’ll make a solid assumption: she needs a break. Offer a few hours of childcare and your child will enjoy helping to care for the baby. Or if she has an older child, make them part of your family’s trips to storytime at the library so she can have one-on-one time with her new little one. We all remember how tough those first few months are.
And let’s talk food. Cooking is tough for new moms and for people dealing with loss or health challenges. Getting your child to help prepare a freezable dinner like enchiladas or chili takes patience on your part but kids LOVE to help in the kitchen and the end result will be appreciated. Bonus points: using containers that don’t require return.
Everyone needs a hand sometimes, and community is key in making that happen all year long. Last year, I explained to Petra that the kids at Crisis Nursery were as deserving and worthy as anyone, they just need help. She told me that maybe someday, she'd need help and one of them would be there for her. Out of the mouth of babes.
xo
