2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver.
A habit we should all cultivate in our children's behavior is the value of giving. While sharing monetary resources with those in need is important, we can also teach our kids to share their resources of time and energy. This can be done in a fun way by organizing a family event or joining with friends to work together on a project. Not only will your kids benefit from learning to give, but they will likely meet people who may have needs different from your family's needs. There are many ways to help out in your community. A few projects that our family has participated in are:
Buying packbacks and school supplies to donate so kids in need had what they needed to go back to school.
Sorting donated can goods at a food shelter to make it easier for those boxing up meals for families in need.
Serving meals at a local shelter and handing out food boxes for a holiday meal.
Going to an assisted living facility, along with other families from our community, to sing holiday songs with the residents.
Shoveling snow for an elderly couple in our neighborhood so they could safely get to their car and back out of their driveway.
Traveling with our church youth group to complete minor construction projects for those in need in a neighboring state.
Babysitting for a family of kids with special needs while the parents enjoyed an evening out.
There are so many projects beyond this list -- I'm sure you can find ways to help out in your community. Your kids will learn to share their time and energy with others, and in the process, your family will benefit from time spent together and will form some great memories!
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