Wondering how I can get my kids to help others....

[STAYATHOMEMAMA3]

I was wondering if anyone knew of something I could do so that my kids can help volunteer on or around Thanksgiving, Maybe if there is somewhere we can give out food, clothes, etc. I really want my kids to appreciate how fortunate we are. Even though times are tough for us too, I want them to realize it could be much worse. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. But I also need to keep my kids safety in mind, no street corner collecting $$, etc. Thanks again for any help!!

 

[Chasey_Lane]

I'd have them clean out their rooms and get rid of old clothes and/or toys they don't want. Then I'd bag everything and drop it off at the thrift store.

 

[vbailey]

I was wondering if anyone knew of something I could do so that my kids can help volunteer on or around Thanksgiving, Maybe if there is somewhere we can give out food, clothes, etc. I really want my kids to appreciate how fortunate we are. Even though times are tough for us too, I want them to realize it could be much worse. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. But I also need to keep my kids safety in mind, no street corner collecting $$, etc. Thanks again for any help!!

Have your kids collect can goods ( I would not have them ask any one for cash ) from your neighbors and friends and deliver them to one of the places collecting for the food banks.....I had some children stop by my house last week. I was very thankful they had because I wanted to help but had not been able to stop off at any of the collection places...saved me a trip and they got to do a good service.....

 

[STAYATHOMEMAMA3]

I'd have them clean out their rooms and get rid of old clothes and/or toys they don't want. Then I'd bag everything and drop it off at the thrift store.

I had the same idea They are going to be doing it this weekend. Thanks!!

 

[lovinmaryland]

I was wondering if anyone knew of something I could do so that my kids can help volunteer on or around Thanksgiving, Maybe if there is somewhere we can give out food, clothes, etc. I really want my kids to appreciate how fortunate we are. Even though times are tough for us too, I want them to realize it could be much worse. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. But I also need to keep my kids safety in mind, no street corner collecting $$, etc. Thanks again for any help!!

I did this last year around Christmas w/ my kids... we gathered up our old blankets (still in good condition) and I actually bought a few @ Kohls as well and we handed those out and a bagged lunch we made to some homeless people in DC.

 

[STAYATHOMEMAMA3]

Have your kids collect can goods ( I would not have them ask any one for cash ) from your neighbors and friends and deliver them to one of the places collecting for the food banks.....I had some children stop by my house last week. I was very thankful they had because I wanted to help but had not been able to stop off at any of the collection places...saved me a trip and they got to do a good service.....

That is a great idea!! My 10 y/o son, when the schools and football team were doing that, He was really into it.

 

[vbailey]

I'd have them clean out their rooms and get rid of old clothes and/or toys they don't want. Then I'd bag everything and drop it off at the thrift store.

This also is a great idea.....a lot of us could do this, my mom said she saw families shopping for things at the goodwill in Annapolis, clothes/shoes/etc for their children......this really helps those struggling right now, to have clothes and things available at these places, that they can get real cheap....

 

[STAYATHOMEMAMA3]

This also is a great idea.....a lot of us could do this, my mom said she saw families shopping for things at the goodwill in Annapolis, clothes/shoes/etc for their children......this really helps those struggling right now, to have clothes and things available at these places, that they can get real cheap....

Agreed. My son is a good kid, but like any 10y/o he is oblivious to how fortunate he really is, for ex. When he asked us for PS3(which is around $400), I told him we just cant do it this year. He had an attitude. So I REALLY want him to see first hand how lucky he is, and that there are kids who are barely able to eat, and live in shelters, etc.

 

[mAlice]

The Salvation Army: Christmas Charity

 

[MadDogMarine]

Veteran's Home

I would take my children to Charlotte Hall. If you call ahead of time I think you can have lunch with the veterans. Just have each child pick out one veteran and have them go up to them and say "Thank You" I guarantee it will make everyone's day and maybe bring on a few tears.

 

[Sweet 16]

Agreed. My son is a good kid, but like any 10y/o he is oblivious to how fortunate he really is, for ex. When he asked us for PS3(which is around $400), I told him we just cant do it this year. He had an attitude. So I REALLY want him to see first hand how lucky he is, and that there are kids who are barely able to eat, and live in shelters, etc.

A few years ago, my son helped our church deliver free Thanksgiving dinners to "underprivileged" families. He was amazed at the big-screen TVs, Playstation 3's and other gadgets these poor people had in their apartments. It was a sad lesson for him (and me) to learn. I'm all for helping the truly destitute, especially children, but I just can't stomach giving handouts to people who don't deserve it.

 

[morningbell]

I was wondering if anyone knew of something I could do so that my kids can help volunteer on or around Thanksgiving, Maybe if there is somewhere we can give out food, clothes, etc. I really want my kids to appreciate how fortunate we are. Even though times are tough for us too, I want them to realize it could be much worse. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. But I also need to keep my kids safety in mind, no street corner collecting $$, etc. Thanks again for any help!!

Be like Brenden

 

[STAYATHOMEMAMA3]

Be like Brenden

OMG that has got to be the saddest most moving thing I have ever seen in my life. And that poor mother, I dont know how she is handling it so well. This is exactly what I want to teach my son, that life is short and just to be grateful for what you have. Thanks for sharing the video!!

 

[PrepH4U]

Mikes bikes always needs volunteers to assemble the Christmas Dinner Baskets & deliveries. Check out the article online from the Enterprise. :shrug: The soup kitchen never turns down help either.