Posted on: Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

Christmas is just a few days away and Tis the season for giving back. Many of our children do not know what it is like to have to go without basic necessities or not get the things that they want and what better time to teach them the importance of volunteering and giving back to those who are less fortunate?
Here are some ideas and organizations that will help teach your children about giving to those who are in need:
1. FAMILY GIVING TREE
This organization’s mission is to “fulfill the unique holiday wishes of children in low-income communities and provide donated backpacks stuffed with school supplies so they’re prepared to learn. It’s not just about gifts or rulers or even backpacks. It’s about giving children happy memories and bestowing joy.”
With this organization, you are able to help in several different ways, i.e., you can select a wish of a particular child, volunteer or lead a drive. If your family decides to “select a wish,” your child actually has a face to attach with the gift that they are donating.
2. YOUR LOCAL SENIOR LIVING HOME
Gather the kids together, make cookies and take them to you’re looking senior living home. Many of our seniors are alone and don’t see family often. A treat from children is sure to put a smile on their faces. Also, if your children can perform a song or maybe read a story, the Seniors will love it. If you’re not sure where you local senior living home is, you can click the link above.
3. MEALS ON WHEELS
Why not deliver a meal to people in your community in need? The Meals on Wheels mission is “we lead the effort to make sure people in our community receive the nutritious meals and the human connection they need to help them live independently.”
They offer family friendly volunteering and what I thought was really great about their site, is that when you click the link you are taken to their “family-friendly volunteering” page where you can learn “how you can prepare your children for volunteering,” “Top 10 family benefits of volunteering together” and you can even watch a short video of about the volunteer program.
4. DONATE TO A LOCAL FAMILY SHELTER

Find a local shelter for women and kids and have your children donate clothing, toys and books.
The families in these places will appreciate it and your children will learn the act of giving to those less fortunate.
5. MAKE GREETING CARDS FOR CHILDREN IN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
This is an activity that can be done not only during the holidays, but all year-long. There are many sick children who spend a lot of time in the hospital, including the holidays. Have your child make a greeting card for these children and help to brighten their days. The link above is to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital with their guidelines for sending greeting cards.
No matter what you choose, the benefits of giving back are tremendous and it is a critical in raising well-rounded and respectful children. Let’s start teaching our children the importance of giving back this holiday season and spreading joy to others who many have forgotten about.

Written By: Ty Knighten is a Relationship Blogger who juggles Single Parenthood to a nine year old son, online store owner and Editor in Chief of The Sexy Single Mommy blog. Her blog has been described as “told with plenty of sass, this blog helps women empower themselves to realize love, success, and confidence, all while having a blast.”