MyBaby - 6 Easy Ways to Give Back

6 Easy Ways to Give Back

Posted December 19, 2007 at 2:55PM in Activities, Arts & Crafts by kittenmama | Back

We all know that the spirit of the holidays is supposed to be about giving and letting our family know how much we love them. Often times we get so swept up in the chaos of shopping and planning that we forget the most important part of the holidays - giving back to others.

Whether it's merely holding the door for someone or helping to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, it's important to remember that even the smallest gesture can make someone's day.

Below are some really easy ideas that you and your kids can do to make the community a better place.

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Ideas for Every Day

Pay the toll for the car behind you
Bring a traffic cop a cup of coffee
At the end of a long line at a check out, tell the cashier you think they are doing a wonderful job – be sincere!
Tell an airline ticket agent their doing a great job
Show appreciation to everyone that serves you
Donate your books to the library
Get an extra turkey at the store and drop it at the food shelf – what, 12 bucks?
Give your child’s teachers or day care providers a piece of chocolate
Volunteer – Special Olympics, Food Shelf, School, etc
Raise your children to understand “Community.”
Say Thank You! Maybe more than usual
Leave a BIG tip
Pay a street performer
Pick up a piece of trash that you see – no one else will
Be patient!
Hold the door for the person behind you

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1. The Giving Tree/ Community Secret Santa (to do with coworkers, friends, community groups, girl/boy scout troops):

Visit the local Boys and Girls Club and ask the volunteers to have the children write down their name and two things they want for Christmas. Have each person pick one child’s name out of a hat to fulfill their Christmas wish. Wrap and collect all the secret santa gifts and return them to the Boy and Girls Club. Make sure to have the volunteers take pictures of the kid’s smiling faces when they open their gifts.

2. Closet Clean Out:

Clean out your children’s closets (yours too) to make room for all the new goodies you will be receiving for the holidays. Gather the extra clothing and donate it to the local shelter or organization of your choice. This way you can clean out that mess that has accumulated all year long and make someone’s day as well.

3. Toys from Tots:

Have your children pick 5 toys that they no longer play with – wrap the toys festively and bring them to a Boys and Girls Club or shelter. ** this can also be done with books**

4. Visit the Elderly:

Do your kids play an instrument? Like to play games or draw? Why not take them to a local retirement home to visit their elders? When I was little my cousin and I would take our flutes and play Christmas carols for our neighbors at Browns Retirement Home. They loved it! Since many people are alone for the holidays this is a great way to remind them that they are not forgotten and are an asset to the community.

5. Help the Furry Friends:

Humane Societies everywhere are always looking for pet food, kitty litter and toys, as well as people to donate their time. Plan a visit to play with the animals and see how you and your kids can help out. Working with animals not only relieves stress but helps to build up your little one’s self confidence. You’ll definitely make a friend or two.

6. The Sweater Project:

Do you knit? The Guideposts Sweater Project collects sweaters that people knit and then send them to needy children around the world. This is a great project if you already know how to knit or a great opportunity to teach your children.

If sweaters aren’t your thing but blankets are, Project Linus is looking for people to donate homemade blankets that they distribute to kids who need something to snuggle up with.

Tags: Activities, holidays, community, general