FAMILY FEATURES®
There’s a saying that charity begins at home. And when it comes to raising
children to be generous, giving people, that expression is quite literally true.
Schools, clubs, religious organizations, nonprofit organizations and civic
groups often involve students in fundraising efforts or donation
drives, but the best way to raise caring kids is to be a caring
role model at home. When it comes to volunteering or donating
money, for example, children are more likely to follow their parents’
lead. The Corporation for National and Community Service says
that nearly nine out of 10 young people who give their time have
parents and siblings who also volunteer.
Major corporations are also lending a hand to encourage and support
volunteerism by young people. One example is Build-A-Bear Workshop
and its Huggable Heroes program, which recognizes young people
between the ages of 7 and 18 who are giving back in their communities
and beyond, and rewards them with scholarships, charitable contributions,
networking opportunities and leadership training.
“Kids today are very aware of what’s going on in the world and want
to make a difference and we wanted to create a program that recognized
their worthy efforts – large and small,” said Maxine Clark,
founder and chief executive bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We’ve
found that the first step is often as simple as identifying a
problem and taking action to resolve it.” And it doesn’t
always have to be about raising money.
Whether it’s deciding to collect suitcases to give to foster children
after seeing them carrying their belongings in a trash bag, or
working to assemble packs filled with goodies and school supplies
to send to children whose lives have been torn apart by a natural
disaster, kids are finding creative ways to solve problems.
These are just a few real world examples of young people making a tremendous
difference in the lives of others. Here are some easy ways to
help your children put their feelings into action and develop
a lifestyle of caring.
Children are more likely to stay with something they are really
interested in. Whether it’s working with animals, bettering the
environment, reading, the arts or sports, help them find volunteer
areas that they’ll enjoy. Does your teenage son love soccer? Perhaps
he can coach a team of underprivileged kids. Does your daughter
love animals? Maybe she can start a drive to raise funds and supplies
for a local rescue shelter.
Make it a family affair.Doing something together can bring the whole family closer together.
-Volunteer as a family to rake the neighbor’s yard, help sort
food at a food bank, or set up a lemonade stand or a bake sale
to raise money for a cause your family is passionate about.
-Sponsor a child through an international organization that provides clothing,
food and education for children. Your family will get pictures
and updates about that child, and you can take turns writing him
or her letters.
-Set a family fundraising goal for the year. Decide as a family to
raise a certain amount to support a specific cause. Keep a big
jar on the kitchen counter so that everyone can drop in their
spare change and parts of monthly allowances to help meet that
goal. At the end of the year, count it all up and turn it in together.
-A growing number of children are engaging their friends in charity
work by turning birthday parties into opportunities to serve.
Instead of everyone bringing presents, they bring a toy to donate
to children in need or new clothing for a homeless shelter. Everyone
still has a great time with games and cake, and they feel great
knowing they’ve helped someone else.
-Another fun way to let kids help other kids is to host a charity bear-making
party. Schedule a birthday party at a Build-A-Bear Workshop store
with the goal of having the children make special animals that
they will donate to a children’s hospital. To make the giving
even more special, they can make one of several stuffed animals
that give back – sales support animal shelters nationwide, the
World Wildlife Fund, First Book and other children’s literacy
initiatives, or children’s health and wellness programs.
There are thousands of young people taking action and making a difference
every day. Some of them receive recognition but the best reward
they get is seeing how they’re making their world a better place.
Actions speak louder than words. Help your kids make a difference by taking
action today.
Wanted – Extraordinary Kids
Do you know a young person who is making a big difference in the
community, neighborhood, school or around the world?
Each year, thousands of people help identify the best young leaders
in the United States and Canada by nominating them to be a Build-A-Bear
Workshop Huggable Hero.
This year, 12 young people between the ages of 7 and 18 will be selected
and named Huggable Heroes. Each will receive an education scholarship
and donation to the 501(c)(3) charity of his/her choice.
Entries will be accepted from January 16 through February 27, 2009. Nominate
a candidate online or download an entry form by visiting www.buildabear.com/huggableheroes.
You can also pick up an entry form at any Build-A-Bear Workshop
store in the U.S. and Canada.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Click on the button below to share your own Creation;
Advertising Packages
If you have a business and need online advertising, JAMSOURCE offers
several Advertising Packages. If you would like more information
click on one of the AD boxes below or visit the Advertisting page on our website.
