Parents often ask about age appropriate ways to volunteer or do charity work with their children. This holiday season hunger is at our doorstep. Our country is facing record levels of hunger, and the use of food stamps is climbing each month. Each crisis provides an opportunity for teaching kindness and spiritual growth.

A simple act of charity is a wonderful way to give your child the chance to help out. Locate the nearest shelter or food pantry. Find out if they accept donations of food and whether it can be canned, boxed or fresh. Then take your children to collect items in your building or neighborhood and bring it to your destination. Explain it to your children by relating it to trick or treating. This time you are collecting food for others and not candy for yourselves, but it is essentially the same process! Have a conversation with them, discuss that some people do not have enough food in your town. Reassure them if they get worried that you have more food than you need.  You can go with a group of kids and parents and make it something infused with camaraderie.

PS. A big thank you to all families who participated in Soho Parenting’s “Give a Good Hot Shower” bath products drive for Safe Horizons! They were so happy to accept our donations.