Resolve To Give More This Year

category: Eco Mom Tips
by Lisa Druxman,

I finished off 2009 with some powerful moments for me and my family. On Christmas Day, I took my kids to Wal Mart and gave them each money to buy other children gifts who were in need. Because I don’t think they “get it” when we drop gifts off at Good Will or Toys For Tots, I drove them direct to The Polinksy Center. The Polinsky Children’s Center is a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care. Each month more than 300 children ages birth to 18 years old are admitted to the Polinsky Children’s Center. My kids did not get to see the children who live here. But it was very REAL to know that on the other side of the door were kids who did not have homes or parents to care for them. The caretaker was so thankful and told us that it was the slowest season ever for donations and that they did not have enough gifts. My heart sunk. I was just at the mall and at Wal Mart seeing people spending like crazy. If everyone just bought one gift for someone in need, there would be no one without.

Last night, I took my son Jacob to serve food at a local homeless shelter called The Bread Of Life. I think it may have been my most heart warming experience since becoming a mom. I saw my son cutting pie and serving food. He walked through the tables offering dessert and he helped wash and dry the food trays. We saw men, women and children who were grateful for a warm room and hot food in their belly. We saw a wall full of cubbies that were filled with trash bags which held their personal belongings. I have always donated money, but there is nothing like donating your time and realizing first hand the hardship in your own local community. I hope and pray that my son will make giving and charity a regular part of his life. I know I am committed to it with our family forever on.
If you want to get more involved as a parent, but don’t know how, check out Kids Korps. Kids Korps USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth volunteer organization that engages young people, ages 5 through 18, in community service. Their mission is to instill in America’s youth the spirit of giving while providing valuable education in leadership and responsibility. Kids Korps partners with more than 250 national and local non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Head Start Preschools, children’s hospitals, homeless shelters, senior centers, animal shelters and environmental agencies.

I have always believed in the tremendous power when moms get together. Let’s get together to make a difference. Let’s raise kids who think to give more, to give often and to give of themselves. Let’s pay it forward!

Comments

1 Comment so far

Stephanie Ramirez | 30 December 2009, 12:16
Thanks for sharing this Lisa. I have this on my list of things to do with my son when he is old enough to understand a little better. It truly is a wonderful feeling and really helps all of us put things into perspective.