Do your kids seem more excited about what they are getting than what they are giving for Christmas this year? This holiday season, you can teach your kids the joy of giving with a few of these ideas.
Giving doesn’t have to cost money. Here are some free ideas!
- Volunteer somewhere. You can look at local food banks or contact United Way to find some great places.
- Donate coats or toys to local organizations. Help your kids clear out their closets and toy boxes before Christmas comes. You can find coat drive boxes at some of our branches and other stores or schools. Some toy drives accept only new toys, but some nonprofit organizations and thrift stores accept used items.
- Winter is coming, and so is the snow. Have kids join you to clear off cars or driveways for neighbors.
- Christmas caroling. You can carol at some local rest homes or hospitals. Or you can even simply carol to your neighbors. If you feel like your singing isn’t great, you can always supplement with goodies (see next section).
Giving can include monetary giving. If you have a little extra to give, here are some ideas.
- Make goodies for neighbors. It doesn’t need to be something fancy, just a thought to spread Christmas cheer.
- Buy presents for a local families in need. Some local schools or organizations can help guide you in what to get, from food to clothes to toys. Have your child help choose presents, wrap, or deliver so they can experience the giving.
- Pick a tag from a Salvation Army Angel Tree. Each tag has a first name, age, gender, and simple wish list for a local child in need. We have Angel Trees at some of our branches including Treasure Valley, Magic Valley, Pocatello, and Caldwell.
- Donate. The end of the year also means the end of the tax year. You may choose to give back to a local organization, and it might even translate to a tax write off. Talk through options with your kid and why a certain cause is important to you.
- Prepare simple presents or cards for a hospital or other location. Coordinate with the location to make sure your donation is something they accept and need. Create and deliver with your kid.
- Pay for the person behind you in a drive thru. Explain to the kid what you are doing and that doing something nice for someone is what Christmas is all about.
Keep your eyes and ears open. Giving doesn’t need to be something exotic or far away. We can support each other in our own Idaho communities in more ways than could be named.
Happy Giving!
