Get the Kids Involved in Giving Back at Christmas

This is the time of year when holidays, traditions and family become even more important and parents and kids alike are making their lists and working to create their idea of the “perfect” Christmas.

In our house and in our family, the “perfect” Christmas is a time for celebrating each other, giving gifts that make us smile and giving back to those in need. It’s just the way it is in our family and it’s important to get the kids involved in this tradition. With every passing year, we find new ways to involve the kids in the philanthropic initiatives that will not only help those less fortunate but actually help our own kids learn the value of giving back and the power of thinking beyond our own neighbourhood.We’ve given to causes that mean a lot to us and even donated time throughout the holidays, but this year we found Operation Christmas Child.
 

The boys and I started planning this week, and sat down to make the lists for our shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Both boys were challenged to fill their own shoebox for another child who lives across the globe. Heading off with $20 ($2 of their own money) to spend at The Dollar Tree, they took their lists, grabbed the cart and started to shop for a child they don’t know, but one that they want to help have a better Christmas. They walked up and down the aisles making the best choices and thinking of what that child might need or want most. Would they like crafts or colouring? Should we send a stuffed animal or a skipping rope? I loved every minute of watching the kids make their decisions and feel so proud of what they were doing to help another child just like them.

Start a new tradition with your family this holiday season with this initiative that makes it fun and engaging for the kids to get involved!  The National Collection Week is November 17-23rd but if you aren’t close to an Operation Christmas Child collection centre, you can now fill a shoebox online!  Along with your $7 donation to pay for shipping your box, here are some tips on what to include in your Operation Christmas Child shoebox;

• School Supplies; pens, pencils, pencil crayons, note pads, etc.
• Hygiene Items; facecloth, toothbrush, comb, and soap. Place soap in a sealable bag
• Toy and Other Gifts; stuffed animals, small musical instruments, hair clips, toy jewelry, t-shirts, socks, and candy (loose, individually wrapped hard candy in a sealable bag)
• Personal Note  – Include a personal note and/or a photo in your shoebox

What NOT to pack:

• Decks of standard playing cards (other card games such as UNO are allowed)
• Food and any chewy, crumbly, or soft candy: Including gum
• Used items
• Toothpaste
• Liquids or items that could leak, melt, freeze, or break – Shampoo, creams, lip balm, bath gels, mirrors, or glass, etc. (these can damage other items in the shoebox).
• Items that can scare or harm a child – War-related toys, knives, and toy guns, etc.

Here’s what our boys, Ty and Jayden, put in their shoeboxes;

This post was brought to you by Operation Christmas Child, but the images and opinions are my own. For more information, please visithttp://www.samaritanspurse.ca/operation-christmas-child.aspx.

Join the conversation on social: Facebook and Twitter and follow the hashtag #OperationChristmasChild