Lately, I have been focusing on teaching my kids how to give thanks for what they have, and how they can give back to others, too. This time of year, I make an extra effort to show them how much they have to be thankful for and showing them ways they can give back to the community. Even at their young age, they can make a difference in their community. There are some simple things that we try to do regularly, and I am sharing some of my ideas with you so that we can give thanks and give back together!
The first one is cleaning up the community.
I have my kids pick up trash on our street using gloves and a bag. We take a walk, talk about the harm littering can do, and ways we can keep trash out of the environment and even recycle. So, we learn a little, get a walk in, and clean up the community. There are many benefits in this simple way to give back!
This is a good time of year to donate clothes and toys as well.
I will have my kids go through their rooms and clear out things they don’t use anymore, and we will donate the toys and clothes. Last year, our Elf on the Shelf brought a box for them to fill for donations and that helped give them extra motivation, too. It always helps my kids to give more specifics with what to donate as well. For example, I might say, “Find five stuffed animals, five toys and two games you don’t want anymore,” instead of just telling them to find random things. It gives them a goal and more concrete ideas on what to donate. Then, I try to find a place in need that can use the items. For example, I might donate the books to the little free library boxes around our area.
Along with donating clothes and toys, collecting food or having a food drive is a simple thing for kids to help with.
Have them collect things in your house, or give them a certain amount of money at the store to pick certain items. You can also collect from friends and family and then donate to your local food pantry.
A cause that is close to our hearts is our county animal shelter.
Our dog is a rescue from Cincinnati Animal Care (You can read all about him in one of my previous blogs!) But after we rescued our dog and started following the shelter on social media, we realized there are other things we can do to help the animals that are there. They always need donations, and you can donate things like old towels and blankets, medicine bottles, dog food and toys. We have also made toys out of old cans that they use for enrichment and training, too. Since you have to be an adult to volunteer to walk the dogs and help in that way, making things and donating is a great way my kids can still help the dogs and give back to the community shelter!
Lastly, we like to spread a little love by making food or little care packages with cards for friends or neighbors.
This is usually for anyone who needs it, and we make them based on what they like. We make baked goods for our neighbor that enjoys them, make cards for a family member recovering from surgery or even send food to a friend grieving a loved one, and many other things. It is an easy way to spread love and give back to the people around you.
These are some of the ways that we like to give back to our community, and I think in the future we will look for more ways we can help others! What are some ways do you give thanks and give back with your family?
