Five Ways to Get Your Kids Involved in Philanthropy

When Kevin and I got engaged, one of the first things we did was insure my engagement ring via Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.
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So I’m pleased to be partnering with Jewelers Mutual today to tell you a little bit about their “Band Together” campaign that will donate a total of $2 million to support three incredible causes – health, home, and hunger. The very deserving nonprofits benefiting are: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and Feeding America or Food Banks Canada.

The cause that receives the most votes by the end of July will receive a $1 million donation from Jewelers Mutual, with the runners-up receiving $700,000 and $300,000 respectively. Voting will take place from July 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. CT – July 31, 2016 at 11 p.m. CT. CLICK HERE to vote for the organization you would most like to support.
bandtogether In the spirit of the Band Together campaign, I’d like to use this post as an opportunity to share some ideas about how you can get your children involved in philanthropy and instill the values of giving back into their hearts.

I have worked for nonprofits for most of my adult life and currently work at a not- for-profit children’s hospital, so I know how important it is for these organizations to raise the funds they need to support key services, research and community initiatives to further their missions.

I was active in my community when I was growing up—from selling daffodils outside of grocery stores to raise funds for cancer to car washes and various other volunteer work. Starting as a child instilled in me the desire to support my community. Now that we have children, I’m even more invested in finding opportunities where we can teach lessons about giving back, generosity and compassion. Today I’m sharing with you five ways you can get your children involved and teach them about serving others so that their heart grows to have the desire to give as they grow older.
Give a child the holiday they deserve
During the Christmas holiday, we always adopt one or more children through a local organization that works with children in CPS custody or foster care to help fulfill their holiday wish lists. We go to the store together as a family to purchase the gifts on each child’s wish list. I use this as an opportunity to have Harper be part of the process of buying toys for another little boy or girl so that they can have some special gifts for Christmas. Harper enjoys helping us pick out the toys and even though she is young, we talk about how it’s important to help other families who aren’t as fortunate as we are. Having your child come pick out the toys with you and using that as an opportunity to talk about giving is a good way to introduce them to the concept of helping others.

Sponsor a child
We have been sponsoring a little girl in Guatemala since before I was pregnant with Harper. Every few months, we get letters, photos and drawings from Jenifer in the mail. We always open these with Harper and we talk about Jenifer and her family (we get letters from the organization about how their entire family is doing as well). Even though at three, it may be a hard concept to understand that we are helping another little girl so far away, Harper enjoys looking at her drawings and she asks questions about her family. If you have older children, over time, they will better understand how your sponsorship of a child allows them to do the things we take for granted here, like attend school and have new clothes and shoes to wear.

Walk as a family
There are many community fundraising walks held around the country each week. Many are stroller-friendly so that families with younger children can participate. Walking as a family for a great cause is healthy for the mind, body and spirit. Discussing the reason for the walk and wearing matching shirts, etc, can help even a younger child understand that you’re walking with intention and reason versus a typical stroll to the local park.

Help a furry friend
If your family is ready for a pet, there’s no better place than a shelter to find an animal that needs a loving home. I was completely uneducated about the importance of adopting/rescuing when I got Lulu and I wish I would have done more research. It’s a huge decision to adopt a pet, but if your family is ready, having your children be part of the process of selecting a pet and educating them about why adopting from a rescue/shelter benefits us all is a good way to teach compassion and responsibility.

Donate/turn a celebration into a donation
This can really be anything— toys, books, clothes. We skipped gifts for Harper’s first birthday and donated books to a local pediatric practice for medically underserved kids. Getting your kids involved is the best way to connect back the message about giving to others. It may be as simple as asking them to help fold or organize a pile of gently-used, outgrown baby clothes and talking about how the clothes will help other babies. Or maybe you can have your child be active in the process of going through their toys and donating ones that are in good condition but that are no longer age appropriate or don’t get played with often. A friend of mine recently asked for donations to an animal preservation organization instead of birthday gifts for her children, whose party was held at our local zoo.

I would love to hear about the ways your family builds a desire for giving into your children’s hearts. Please leave me a comment!

By the way, throughout the three-week Band Together campaign, voters will be entered for a chance to win jewelry prizes from STACKED New York. Each week, one lucky winner will receive a set of 3 stacking bands ($450 retail value). You can vote daily to increase your chances of winning! bandtogether2 Thanks for reading!