Help Kids Make Charity Donations
Children Who Donate to Charities Learn the Importance of Giving Back
Mar 26, 2009
One popular approach to helping children manage their own money, earned either from an allowance or through a job, is to separate earnings into three categories or accounts. One account contains money for immediate spending, one for saving, and the last for donating to a charity.
Since giving away their own money is a new experience for most children, parents may need to lend a hand to help their kids develop a charitable mindset and choose a recipient for the money that matches each child’s interests.
Instill the Importance of Giving
First, parents can set an example by showing how they donate time and money to certain causes. Show children how you prepare your weekly donations at church. Take them to your monthly PTA meeting. Talk about how the United Way receives a bit of your paycheck every month to support worthy causes.
This also is a good time to talk about valuing their family, toys, and good health. Without preaching, gently remind children that many people in the world don’t enjoy the same creature comforts as they do.
Perfect Charities for Kids' Donations
The fun part of choosing a charity or organization to receive your child’s donation is discussing the many worthy organizations that will put her money to good use. Here, your child can match her interests with a charity that will make the greatest impact in that area.
Following is a list of established organizations, many with local affiliates, that make great recipients for kids’ donations. Before giving, visit Charitynavigator.org, an organization that evaluates and rates charitable organizations. All national charities listed below earned a four-star rating.
Charities for Animal Lovers
The Humane Society of the United States (hsus.org):The United States’ largest animal welfare organization advocates for local animal shelters, campaigns against animal cruelty, and supports wildlife and habitat protection.
Local animal shelters: whether through the local Humane Society, SPCA, or volunteer group, donations to a local shelter lets children see first hand how their money benefits animals. They can volunteer their time at the local shelter, too. Look in the phone book for the nearest shelter. Some of the shelter search websites omit smaller organizations.
Elephant Sanctuary: The Tennessee organization provides a sanctuary for old, sick and needy Elephants. The informative website, tappedintoelephants.com, features information about each animal.
Sports Charities for Kids
Women’s Sports Foundation: The organization’s GoGirlGo! Program uses sport and physical activity as an educational intervention that supports girls’ health and wellness in childhood and early womanhood. Info: Womenssportsfoundation.org.
Local Boys and Girls clubs: While the national Boys and Girls Clubs of America receives a lowly two-star rating, many local clubs are efficiently run and organized and offer summer and year-log sports activities. Find a local club at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America website.
Charities That Benefit Other Children
Locks of Love (Locksoflove.org): creates hairpieces out of donated hair for children with long-term medical hair loss. The group accepts monetary donations as well.
Donorschoose.org: Kids can choose which school projects to fund at this organization’s website, where teachers of underprivileged public school students post their needs.
Learn from Giving
Through donating a portion of their earnings to those in need, kids can not only gain an appreciation for their families and possessions, but also a sense of accomplishment at helping others.
 |
 |
