International Day of Charity

Teaching your children the importance of charity is one of the most valuable lessons they can learn. The power of giving not only helps them discover causes they care about but also how giving can help others. Understanding the meaning of charity is also an excellent way for children to learn about the value of money and how even the smallest amount can make a big difference.

Use everyday examples of giving and donating your kids can relate to. For instance, that time they helped your elderly neighbor bring in the shopping. Point out that small acts of kindness are examples of donating their time to help others . You can then use a methodology and explain other ways they can give to a charity.

For children to want to help others, they need to understand why help is needed in the first place. This means talking to your kids about why you donate warm blankets to a homeless shelter during winter or why you take food items over to the local food bank . The idea of homelessness or food poverty may still be an abstract concept for many young children. You'll need to explain it in simple terms and then build on their understanding as they get older.

The best way for children to learn about giving is by seeing it first-hand. Take them with you when you take unwanted clothes to the local thrift store or put money into charity boxes. Ask them to pick out a few cans of food when you're in the grocery store to save for the food bank. And take part in fundraising events as a family. It not only sets a good example, but it also creates an opportunity to talk with your kids about the importance and rewards of giving.

  Volunteering with your child to help a local charity is a good way to give back to the community . It’s also a useful way of getting your kids on board with the concept of giving. Charity and community organizations will always appreciate an extra pair of hands . Whether it’s helping at a fundraising event, serving food at a homeless shelter, or volunteering in a thrift store.

  Kids are more likely to respond well to donating to charity if they understand the impact their giving has. Pick out some community projects and take your child along to show them what can happen when people donate their time, money and resources. For example, do you regularly donate to a local animal shelter? If so, take your child along and ask the staff at the shelter to show you exactly what they do with their donations. That way your children will see first-hand the effect of charitable giving .

  Do some research into what can be donated to your chosen charity . If your child picked a thrift store or hospice shop, find out what they will accept and let the rest of the family know. Most thrift stores will accept clothing and household items that are clean and in good condition.