Community Involvement and the Holidays

Getting children to be active in their community is a great way to not only teach them important lessons of compassion and giving, but is also a great way to encourage citizenship skills. Schools are uniquely able to conduct community action programs that are targeted for children's ability to affect change in their neighborhoods.

Too often we focus on charitable work that includes monetary donations. While these are undoubtedly very important pieces of the overall picture of giving, children often need the opportunity to make a difference by utilizing the skills they have to offer. When children see the important role they can play in helping others, it tends to teach them more than giving a monetary donation. Here are some ideas that your child's school may be willing to allow:

1.) Spread good cheer: Many different groups are less fortunate and may not have families and friends to enjoy the holiday season with. Have children create cards for nursing homes, veteran's facilities, and local hospitals. These hand made creations are bright spots for those who are alone during the holiday season. If possible, see if the students can deliver their creations in person so they can experience the joy their work brings to others.

2.) Offer their own time: Adults are often in awe of the boundless energy that children seem to possess. The holidays are a wonderful time to use that energy for more charitable purposes! Students can arrange work at a local soup kitchen, a local day care facility, or a special needs program for adults or elders. Their enthusiasm and energy bring new life to programs at holiday time- when adult volunteers are usually at their lowest energy levels!

3.) Create a canned food drive: Charitable groups that work to provide nutritious food to families are often hardest hit during the winter, as the holidays and cold weather team up to make life more difficult for those already struggling. Students can create posters and flyers to go home to families requesting non-perishable donations of food, paper goods, and other necessities, and then they can bring the collected goods to the nearby programs. The students' hard work will really be appreciated by everyone!

4.) Create a book and school supply drive: Schools have recently been very hard hit by tough economic times. Many schools and community programs are in need of basic supplies and books to teach students. Have students contact local businesses as well as families to try to get donations of items that may be needed to help other children get the education they deserve. If their own school is not in need, there may be other schools in the area that could use the help!

There are many ways for students to become involved in helping those in need in their community. By encouraging students to be active in solving the problems faced in their own neighborhoods, they learn valuable lessons in the power they have to affect social change on a larger scale, and this may be the best holiday lesson of all!

• Consider the school's policy on service programs. Some schools have rather lengthy meeting processes to accept these types of programs, so be sure to contact the school early enough to be effective. Contact your child's teacher and the building principal to determine if a service project is right for your child's school.
• Contact the agency or group you wish to help before starting your project. By speaking to the group beforehand, you will be able to determine what their needs are, how your efforts can help, and who a contact person would be.
• Establish a clear "chain of command" for who the project leaders are and who will coordinate which parts of the program. By outlining responsibilities early, you will avoid last minute problems with scheduling, distribution, travel, etc.
• When older children are at a school, be sure to involve them as part of the planning and coordination team. Student leaders get great experience through working with these types of programs and they often have wonderful new ideas to share. Be sure to utilize their time, talents, and energy to help make your project a success.