According to Volunteer #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season. Timed for when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. And while your kiddos may not be able to write a check to their favorite charities (yet), they can still participate and learn what it means to give—especially before the crazy holiday season sets in.
We’re sharing 10 easy ways to involve your kids in #GivingTuesday this year:
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Go through the pantry together. Pack a bag of canned & boxed goods to drop at your local food bank.
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Fill a box with their old toys and books. Drop off at your nearest Goodwill.
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Start a coat drive. Harness the power of your social media networks to ask local friends to donate their gently used coats. Take one afternoon to go find some deserving folks who could use the donation.
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Make personal hygiene bags to hand out on the same afternoon as above. Fill gallon sized ziplock bags with travel size toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, soap, and wipes.
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If your child has long hair (boy or girl) ask if they want to consider donating it to Children with Hairloss organization. Personal side note: My 6-year-old daughter did this last year. She was so excited to be able to donate her hair to make a wig for another child.
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Raid their piggy banks! Ask if they are willing to give a donation to charity. Read together about charities that directly impact children such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or No Kid Hungry. Help them make a donation. Every dollar counts!
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Help them make a meal and bring it to an elderly neighbor.
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Volunteer with an organization like Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN. Second Harvest has a great event called Family Night where kids as young as six years old can volunteer with their families. Kid-friendly projects include things like assembling Back Packs. Schools distribute these weekend food bags to children at risk of hunger.
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Make a donation to a local animal shelter. Most shelters accept and welcome donations. See if your local shelter needs blankets, food, or toys, and drop them off together.
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Bake cookies and bring them to your local volunteer fire company.
What will you do for #GivingTuesday?
