It’s the time of the year for giving — of your time, of your excess, of your financial support. Here are a few great ways for your family to join in the giving this season.
Give of Your Time
Family volunteering with your children, especially young children, can be tricky, as many places prefer a minimum age for their volunteers. But, start with places you know such as your place of worship, your library, and your child’s school.
If you have older Macaronis, consider area soup kitchens to serve a meal together, a humane society for animal lovers, or even visiting with residents at area nursing homes.
Part of giving your time can also include sharing your talents with others. Whether you play an instrument, have good mentoring skills, like to clean and organize, or have another talent, consider how those can benefit a local nonprofit or group.
Give of Your Excess
At our house, we always keep a bag for donations. Outgrown clothing, especially winter coats at this time of year, can be a tremendous help to families in need. We also regularly clean through our bookshelves and toy chest to search for gently used items that can be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or area shelters.
This doesn’t have to be limited to just children’s items—search your closet, purge down your kitchen cabinets for extra dishes or houseware items. You’d be amazed how much more organized you will feel at home and the warm feelings of realizing your donations are going to a good home where they are needed.
Give of Your Financial Support
The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for nonprofits that are requesting donations, but how do you choose, and how do you know if they are legitimate?
One of the best sources to verify the authenticity of a nonprofit can be your local United Way, usually the umbrella organization for many local nonprofits. Nationally, www.guidestar.org, has information on more than 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax exempt organizations. The Better Business Bureau can also assist on both a local level and nationally with its BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Before making any financial donations, you may also want to talk with your financial planner, accountant, or tax advisor.
No matter how you choose to give this season, know that you are setting a powerful example for your children to follow through their lifetime.
Here at Macaroni Kid, we wish you all a happy and healthy holiday!
