I firmly believe that one of the most important parts of my “job” as a parent is to teach my children to be good people. To feel gratitude and to have a spirit of giving not just during the holidays but all year long. In our “gimme” society it is often easy to get caught up in the hottest new toy or the coolest new tech gadget, but we must also remember that having those things or being able to afford those things is not possible for millions of others around the world. I have been honored to work with CARE.org this year, and as we approach the holidays this is the perfect time to “give a gift, change a life” and teach both gratitude and giving to children of all ages.
CARE.org began over 60 years ago sending boxes of food and hope to war stricken countries – letting people know that there were people out there who cared about them. Since then, over 2 million boxes have been sent and millions more lives have been changed. Today, CARE Packages can not be contained in a cardboard box. CARE offers services and tools to women and girls in 95 countries to help them create sustainable change and escape poverty for good. Girls like Evelesi, Maliyana, Alinafe who are featured in this year’s Annual Gift Catalog along with their inspiring stories of how CARE.org has changed their lives for the better. From food and medicine to education and scholarships, CARE lets you make a difference that can directly change someone’s life for good. What an incredible gift.
To help my children understand the importance of giving and helping others this holiday season, we have been doing some of our holiday shopping through this years 2016 CARE.org Annual Gift Catalog, which directly impacts women and girls around the world who need it the most. Gifts like “Three Little Pigs” and school books and supplies. It has given the kids quite a sense of perspective when they think of their wish lists.
So how do we keep this perspective all year long and keep the spirit of giving last far beyond the holiday season?
Give To Get
In our house we learn to first give before we receive. For instance before purchasing a new toy or tech gadget, we first spend some time cleaning out and donating gently loved items to our local shelters. This season we have spent time giving through the CARE Catalog before receiving on Christmas morning.
Think Bigger
Make sure your children understand the needs of others around the world. Even young children can understand needing food and clean water. You can show your children the CARE.org website which is full of inspiring stories and videos of children whose lives have been forever changed because of small acts from people like us all the way around the world. You can even tune in to Facebook.com/CAREFans to meet and interact with the girls featured in this year’s catalog from December 5th – 16th.
Make It A Habit
The holidays are a great time for giving – but the truth is help is needed all year long. Set a date on a calendar for your family to come together and act both locally and globally to make a difference in our world. Even the smallest acts can make a huge impact and teach the importance of keeping the spirit of giving throughout your children’s lifetimes.
Learn more about the Gifts for Change at the CARE.org website.
It is so sweet that you’re doing this with your children at Christmas. It’s such a great lesson to pass down to your kiddos.