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This holiday season consider teaching your child about the joy of charitable giving. Giving can take on many forms including some that don't stretch the already tight budget. Activities that help those less fortunate or help the environment are good places to start. We have assembled some ideas, but feel free to brainstorm with your children:
Donate Blood Consider giving the gift of life by donating blood. Even teenagers who weigh more that 110 pounds and are over 16 years old can give blood with parental permission. There is always a need for blood, and that need increases around holiday time. Contact Virginia Blood Services at 800-989-GIFT or www.vablood.org.
Donate to the Local Food Bank Let your children help pack bags of unused canned goods from your pantry and drop them off at the Food Bank. Contact Central Virginia Food Bank at 804-237-8602 or www.cvfb.org.
Adopt a Pet Bring an animal into your home from a local animal shelter or rescue animal operation. It is best to wait until after the holidays to introduce an animal into your home. The chaos and excitement of the holiday can be too much for a new pet. Many of these animals are housebroken and just waiting to be adopted. Some of these shelters and some veterinary offices take student volunteers.
Sponsor a Clean-up Over the holiday your children can sponsor a neighborhood clean-up or a local park clean-up. Pick up trash, branches and leaves from public spaces.
Donate a Coat Keep the less fortunate warm this winter. There are a number of charities accepting gently used coats. St. Joseph’s Villa, which provides a multitude of services for children and families with special needs including a shelter for homeless mothers and children, accepts donation of coats. Goodwill and the Salvation Army can also make good use of your used coats.
Help the Elderly There may be elderly people in your neighborhood who need some simple chores done like sweeping a walk or raking a yard. They also may appreciate a bag of fresh produce, since they are often unable to get to the store for these items. Sometimes they just appreciate visiting with someone. You can also arrange to have your children visit a local nursing home or long-term care facility. Many of the residents get infrequent visitors and enjoy the company. Your children could arrange to entertain the residents with caroling.
Serve Meals to the Homeless This can be done through one of our local shelters or faith based organizations. Children are often welcome with parents in these endeavors.