Sharing the spirit of the season with young children

The holiday season is a time for celebrating our blessings, but it is also important to spend some time giving to others.  As teachers and parents, it is also our job to help children learn the joy of giving.  Here are a few easy ways that you can serve the community with your children before Christmas;

1. Clean out the closet - donate toys and clothes to Goodwill, or see if a local charity is collecting coats for the winter. 
2. Pick out a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
3. Volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen.
4. Do something nice for your neighbors - bake cookies to leave on their doorstep or offer to shovel the sidewalk.
5. Make cards for residents at a local nursing home.
6. Shop for a gift card to donate to a domestic violence shelter.
7. Collect canned goods for a local food bank.
8. Bake Christmas cookies for your local police department or fire fighters.
9. Put together travel-size toiletry kits for a homeless shelter.
10. Purchase pet food and toys for a local animal shelter.

Choose a cause that your child has expressed interest in and help them show their support.  Ask them for their ideas and make sure to include them in any shopping, baking, or delivering!

A great holiday season is one that we share with others.  These are all great ideas for helping children show that they care about the people (and animals) in their community.