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How to Teach: The Gift of Giving Back, As A Family

by Erin, posted to Career & Money

Holidays, birthdays, so many occasions that seem only about "getting"... I am on the lookout for ways to teach our children about giving. What are some great ways to involve my family in giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate. This could range from small acts of kindness to... More »

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Seasons of Change | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (National)

A change collecting program based on our newly launched school initiative, Change Childhood Cancer. This program offers a simple opportunity for families and businesses to make a lasting impact and help fund important research grants.

I love this because it is super easy and very kid friendly, plus it benefits children and was founded by a child. The kids can run the whole thing and take ownership.

Holiday Programs « Participate « Shelter Network (Peninsula)

Shelter Network is committed to providing housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own.

Easy and actionable ideas for working with Shelter Network, everything from adopt-a-family to host a party to host a gift drive.

C.A.L.L. Primrose Center (Burlingame)

Joint venture of the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame and the United Methodist Church of Burlingame. Thousands of people in need have come to our house for assistance. All requests are screened to determine the legitimacy of the need.

Ask about packing a 'Thanksgiving Box' (assume they also do it at Christmas). Great and easy thing to do with your kids. 650-342-2255

My New Red Shoes (Burlingame)

Helps homeless children look and feel confident as they start the school year while raising awareness about homeless families. Provides homeless children with brand new clothing and shoes.

They have ceated age-appropriate service learning kits for students, community groups, and teachers. These kits provide meaningful activities to teach students about the children we serve and fun step-by-step instructions of how you can take action.

CityTrees (Redwood City)

Promotes and supports urban forestry efforts in Redwood City. Plants and maintains trees along Redwood City’s streets, at schools, and on other publicly owned properties.

We have several tree plantings throughout the year on Saturdays. One child had their birthday party with us and donated the money for the tree. We also have pruning events. Contact: Paulette at 650-556-9380 ext. 4

PHS/SPCA (San Mateo)

PHS/SPCA builds healthy relationships between people and animals. We accept all animals in need of care and often provide a second chance to the neediest animals.

Youth volunteers (13-17) - can work with a parent after attending a training session. Need to make a 2 hrs/once a week commitment. Lots of opportunities here.

Volunteer | CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)

San Mateo Museum CuriOdyssey brings children and families up close with the natural world. Our mission is to educate and inspire people to take care of the earth wisely. Science exhibits and up close encounters with native California animals.

Teen and parent teams serve as roving weekend guides in the Wildlife Habitats and by training to bring out some of our smaller education animals and interactive exhibits. contact: Lee Cauble 650-340-7580

Lend A Hand This Holiday Season (Article from Burlingame Patch)

Find ways to help others and spread holiday cheer in and around Burlingame.

Great list of opportunities from Burlingame Patch - very specific. Great programs that you can help with at the holidays and throughout the year.

Sharing the Holiday Bounty

A look at volunteer and donation opportunities on the San Francisco this Thanksgiving and beyond.

Great list of opportunities from Burlingame Patch - very specific. Some are around Thanksgiving, but most have other great programs that you can help with at other times during the year.

Ways to Give Back During the Holidays -- National Geographic Kids (Article)

Read how you can give back over the holidays on National Geographic Kids.

Some great ideas, many of them small and not too hard to accomplish.

San Francisco Food Bank (San Francisco)

Find a local food bank. In SF, anyone over four can volunteer (on Sundays, I think). They provide an educational tour of the Food Bank during the break. Adults and kids alike loved doing this and having other families join us made it extra fun.

The kids love the conveyor belts, box making machines and more importantly the tangibility of sorting food. On one Sunday afternoon a small group of a few families sorted several tons of oranges.

Find a Local Food Bank via Feeding America (National)

Search for local Feeding America food banks in your neighborhood and help feed America. Become a food bank volunteer and take part in helping feed over 25 million Americans each year.

Suggested by Eden Godsoe:

Feeding America has a great online tool where you can look up your state or city to find a food bank in need that is near you. Your family can donate or volunteer.

Hope Walks (Anywhere)

Find an annual walk that raises awareness and money for orphans of the epidemic in Africa.

This is something easy to do as a family.

World Wildlife Fund | Adopt an Emperor Penguin (In lieu of birthday gift)

Adopt an Emperor penguin. Help WWF protect emperor penguins and endangered species by making a symbolic emperor penguin adoption today.

In lieu of birthday gifts, our 8 year old neighbor chose her own cause that her friends could donate to... adopting a penguin through the World Wildlife Fund. Great idea.

Jolkona Impact-Driven Giving Campaign: 10 Year Old's Birthday "Cause" (in lieu of birthday gift)

THE CAMERON REFORESTATION FUND FOR CAMEROON - Jolkona makes it easy for you to engage your family and friends in philanthropy and giving with our Impact-Driven Giving Campaigns.

In lieu of more birthday gifts from his friends, our 10 year old neighbor asked for optional donations. He created a campaign and helped plant 1500 of trees in a deforested part of Africa. Check out his page here. Good stuff!

The Gift of Giving Back - Oprah.com (Video)

Meet the man who started an international phenomenon with a simple sign and a simple message: Free hugs!

Always good to pay it forward...

mynewredshoes

My New Red Shoes helps homeless children look and feel confident as they start the school year by providing brand new clothes and shoes in a hand-sewn gift bag.

Suggested by Alison Wagonfeld:

This organization helps homeless children feel better about themselves. You can donate new sneakers and volunteer to pack gift bags. Contact Rebecca@mynewredshoes.org

comments (2)

Erin asks: Do you have an idea for giving back for this list?

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Eden Godsoe added:

 Feeding America has a great online tool where you can look up your state or city to find a food bank in need that is near you. Your family can donate or volunteer.

Find a Local Food Bank via Feeding America (National)

feedingamerica.org

Search for local Feeding America food banks in your neighborhood and help feed America. Become a food bank volunteer and take part in helping feed over 25 million Americans each year.

Like Erin promoted this suggestion

Alison Wagonfeld added:

 This organization helps homeless children feel better about themselves. You can donate new sneakers and volunteer to pack gift bags. Contact Rebecca@mynewredshoes.org

mynewredshoes

mynewredshoes.org

My New Red Shoes helps homeless children look and feel confident as they start the school year by providing brand new clothes and shoes in a hand-sewn gift bag.

Like (2) Erin promoted this suggestion