Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and I am sure we all can’t help but think of all the turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, football, and family time we are about to enjoy. These are all fantastic things, but let me encourage you to add another aspect to your Thanksgiving festivities by giving back. I know personally I have struggled on how to give back once I became a mom because there are so many things that become more difficult if not near impossible to do with a kid in tow. But what if I embrace my extra companion? That opens up a whole new window. Giving back is such a joyful experience for anyone, but especially for a child it can help them understand empathy, feel connected to their community, and show them what a difference they can make, even now.
Probably the most popular suggestion this time of year is Toys for Tots, Angel Tree, or similar ideas where a child’s age and sometimes wish list can be picked up at a place such as DHR then you can take your child and shop intentionally for another child. It allows your child to think of what 3 year old Anna would love to have and likely something they will not forget.
Send a holiday card to someone that could use some extra cheer. I love this idea because more creative children can make the cards completely from scratch while smaller children may just want to add some stickers to the inside of a store bought card to give it a little something extra. Of course grandparents, particularly those that aren’t local enough to visit often is a good option, but also consider any veterans or elderly people you may know that would appreciate this small gesture. There are also groups such as United Soliders and Sailors of America (USASOA) that request cards for deployed troops that they then distribute.
Visit those in nursing homes. Provided there are not flu or other restrictions on visitors that are common this time of year, this is an easy avenue in most any community. Most of the people in nursing homes bubble with joy and the chance of seeing a little one, so even just stopping by can be a true treat for them. You might could even check with the staff on taking a box of tissues or a pair of slip resistant socks to each resident. Some even allow a story time so a young reader could read a story to them. The nursing home may even have specific suggestions for the facility.
Do you have an animal lover child? The local animal shelter might be a perfect way to give back. Shelters often can use supplies such as food, toys, and towels so gather items and dropping them off is one option. Older children could possibly walk the dogs. A new idea that is currently in practice at our local shelter is having children come in and read to a dog allowing the dogs to have some human interaction outside of the workers.
Even if you don’t want to travel far from home there are options for giving back. Roll a neighbors trash can to the road on trash day. Leave a note and treat in your mailbox for your letter carrier. Deliver baked goods or flowers to a neighbor. Leave treats outside for the delivery drivers especially during this busy season for them.
Consider how you can bring some cheer to others while on your typical errands. Slip a dollar bill or two in a diaper box at the grocery store. Tape some quarters to a coke machine. Deliver a fruit basket to a fire station on your way. When you start looking for opportunities you will notice them more and more.
I encourage you to take one or more of these ideas and also to come up with some of your own this holiday season and run with it. Then, what a blessing it would be to sit down with your child and make a list of 12 acts of kindness to be completed in 2020. “For it is in giving that we receive.” -Francis of Assisi
