I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for The Salvation Army. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
As you clean up the beautiful messes of Christmas and turn your eyes toward the brand new year that is quickly approaching, take a minute to reflect on this year. Count your blessings and ask yourself if you both gave and received them. Consider whether you modeled a giving heart for your children this year. Did you encourage them to be givers as well? Even if things are tight in your home, globally speaking, if you are an American you are among the richest in the world. My husband and I have worked hard to instill a spirit of service in our children and it has been a real blessing in our family. This year, I am working with the Salvation Army’s #RedKettleReason campaign to encourage giving and to highlight a wonderful cause. I hope you will read through for some ideas on what you can still do this year and what you can plan for next year to give your children the gift of giving.
What You Can Do Now
- End-of-year giving. One-third of online donations occur during the last two days of the year. You may be able to benefit on your taxes if you donate to a charity and receive the proper documentation before January 1.
- Visit RedKettleReason.org and share your reason for giving. You can also make a donation to the Red Kettle Campaign while you are there.
- Donors who post using #RedKettleReason can view their posts and others on RedKettleReason.org and learn why the rest of America is giving. The site also features an interactive mosaic and a map of the conversations happening on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube along with an easy way to donate directly to the Army.
- Donate to an online RedKettle or start your own. The bell-ringers are gone, but the giving continues at OnlineRedKettle.org. It is not too late!
What You Can Do Next Year
- Make a plan. Decide what you want to do, how much you can give in dollars and hours, and which causes you want to support. Be sure to include your children in your plans.
- Follow local charities on social media. Charitable organizations often post their needs, programs, and volunteer opportunities on social media and by following them you will get regular reminders in your feed and keep service on your mind year round.
- Watch clearance sales. Trying to buy extra toys and clothes at back-to-school and Christmastime can be quite expensive. But keeping your eye open for clearance sales and buying a few items for $5 or less whenever you see the clearance racks will help you accumulate a rather large stock of items to give during back to school and Christmas drives.
- Bring your friends. Everything is better with a friend along for the ride. Recruit a friend, family member, or work buddy to be your giving partner. You will be more likely to stay on target and your family’s fun will be multiplied.
There are many opportunities to help others and teach your children to serve others. My family loves to give and serve. My kids usually jump for joy when they see the Red Kettles out and I know that I must keep a stock of change and bills in my purse at this time of year. The bell ringing means Christmas to me because it represents helping others and giving and that is what Christmas is all about – about a baby born to save the world.
I encourage you to consider a year end gift to the Salvation Army or other charity of your choice. I also encourage you to find ways to get your family into the giving spirit year round next year.
God bless and Happy New Year!
About Janice
