Involving Children in Charitable Gift Giving

By Katseiye (Guest Post)

We like to get children's names from the local Christmas Tree. Our son has always demanded one girl and one boy. Check with your local Scottish Rite, Shriner's, or Children's hospitals. Most of them need items such as clean, new tube socks for burn victims, books for recovering patients, etc. Call your Chamber of Commerce or some of the local churches to see if they have a need in their church. Sometimes, the Salvation Army can take donations to help families whose homes have burned and are inhabitable. Happy Giving!

By

Brenda from Texas

When our daughters were little we would donate a gift to the mental retardation center. Our daughters would even take some of their own presents and donate them. These adults and kids would only ask for things like a blanket, soda, or a picture to hang in their rooms. To this day our daughters still donate to these special angels

By Jeanne (Guest Post)

Another thought, somewhat similiar to some of the above thoughts, but could definately give a child a "hands on" idea of what it means to be "needy" is to help in a soup kitchen..even if only for a half an hour...to not have food for their meals is a pretty effective way to show a child what it truly means to be "needy"...I agree with the other posting, very few, if any will allow you, just because of the individuals "pride" to "give" the gift directly..I'm sure you can understand why...great idea..I'm considering taking my teens down to one for Christmas...to remind them what they have...even though our's isn't much, it is much more than what these poor souls lack...

By Beverly (Guest Post)

In our area the local malls have a tree with children's names attached that need some help at Christmas time.

It is called an Angel Tree, you take the name, buy something for that age and gender child and return the gift/gifts to the Mall to a designated spot.

By

cowcow65

Look to area churches, social services departments or local Community Action or Salvation Army programs. They all have programs for families at Christmas, many without knowing the recipient.
What a great gift for your own children!!! Mine are ringing Salvation Army bells this year and understand what the whole idea is about.
Lets hope for a new generation of caring people.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.

By

azDana

I commend your wanting to have your child learn such as an important lesson as giving and being charitable. However, I wonder if the child recipient would feel embarassed in such a transaction? Maybe you could take your child to a nursing home and give out gifts/cookies/etc to the seniors. Many seniors love those kinds of interactions and your child could meet the recipients of your charitable intentions.

By Amy (Guest Post)

Check with your local food pantry, many churches work with these. Ours hands out what ever gifts it may receive, wrapped of course, to the kids and families. You might also check with your local extension office and see if they have info on any groups you could pick from.