5 Ways Your Child Can Give Back This Holiday Season

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many, and the holiday is jam packed with receiving and giving gifts. However, the holidays are a tough time for many. Teaching kids about giving is an important part of the holidays, and these creative ways will allow your children to not only get but to give back to the community.

Many salons are constantly donating hair to charities; for example, cancer patients often lose their hair. So salons partner with charities to help create wigs for cancer patients. Normally the child’s hair has to be a certain length at least 12 inches in order for it be donated, and has to be chemical free (no color, perm, etc.) This a great way your child can give to others, and this is normally a service that is offered all year. Make it an extra special Christmas for someone!

The military does so much for our country, without the service they provide we would not be able to be here with our children. Many soldiers do not get to travel home for the holidays, so brighten their day. Your child can improve someone’s day by sending their artwork or Christmas card to the military. Check out your local community in order to find ways to send to the military!

The ringing of bells outside stores constantly remind us to give to those in need. A creative easy way your child can give back is to have your child donate some of their pennies to charities. Take a day, and have your child donate to a whole bunch of charities outside of stores. Or have them gather toys they don’t play with anymore and take them to a local donation place so that they can participate in the whole process.

Many communities have homeless shelters and camps. Blankets and coats are always needed, and your child can help you take needed items to those in need. Shelters always need can goods, and dry goods too. Their biggest need is cash, though, so consider writing a check in addition. Toiletries are always welcome. Your child can create care packages for those in need. Sometimes the simple pleasures of Chapstick, a bar of clean soap, and toothbrush/paste could really make a difference in someone’s life.

A lemonade stand is popular in summer time, so why not have your kiddos create a hot cocoa stand? Dress up a table with Christmas decorations, and decorate signs with glitter. Your child can help create the goodies or hot cocoa, and all of the funds can be donated to a local charity!

Spending time together helping others is one of the most rewarding things a family can do together. Turn on some Christmas jams, and work together to come up with creative ideas to help others this year! What ways do you teach your kids to give back? Leave a comment and let us know!