Easy Giving

It can be hard to teach little kids about the importance of giving to charity. Recently I was talking to a bunch of preschoolers and it was clear that these sorts of issues are just really tough for kids to wrap their heads around. That's why I love Markmakers.org, a new site that helps kids donate money to charities and causes of their choice.

Here's how it works: You go online and buy your child a giftcard. He uses the card to log into the site and browse different "shops" like Kids in Need, Protect Animals, Peace and Justice, and Protect The Environment—each of which includes really specific and easy to understand descriptions of a bunch of different charities. Your child can divvy up and allocate the money on his card to whatever charities he chooses. I think this is such a great way to help your child feel empowered to make a difference.

How do you teach your kids the value of giving?

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Comments

[Sarh]

Thanks for the link. Great gift idea!

[Susan]

I really like this idea. I don't know how to teach the value of giving (he's only 5 months old) though I am looking for some volunteer opportunities I can do with him going along. I want it to be a part of his life that he can't remember not doing, you know? This fits in with that very well.

[Ingrid]

The links to the giving sites don't work. Does anyone have legitimate website addresses??

[Amanda]

Ingrid: I think their site's just down at the moment. It worked yesterday, but I can't get to it right now either. (Going through google didn't help.) Maybe they're getting a flood from being in the mag! I'd try back a bit later!

[maria]

Every Christmas my hubby and I hee and haw over what to get our 22 nieces and nephews. We found this site a last year and it worked great for the 6 and up crowd!! The younger ones enjoyed the shopping aspect and learning about thier world, and it was quite an impact for the older teens. It was much different than giving a Holister or Wal-Mart gift card. Some have requested the gc's from this site again this year and for the b-day!! who knew!!

[Morris O]

We take our son our city hall to select a family from the Angel Tree. We then take him shopping for toys, and let him choose what he would like to give to other children. We also let him pick some toys for Toys-for-Tots, and he enjoys taking them to the Marines when they begin collecting.

[Leslie]

Our family has always been the ones to give to the people in need. We get an angle off the angle tree every year. Well this year will be very hard, for we are the ones in need this year. So if any one would please get an extra angle off the tree this year for our family, we would be so greatful. Hope everyones holidays are bright.