The holidays are a time for giving and sharing, but it can become overwhelming to buy gifts and satisfy the “I wants” – especially for kids. I was inspired to learn more when my friend, Liza, recently posted these photos of the donations she gathered for the Pajama Program.
The Pajama Program is a non-profit that donates pajamas collected by volunteers and distributes them to children (and adults) in need. They also distribute books, stuffed animals and other items to offer comfort. Liza is a busy, working mom of 2 boys (and an awesome runner and Ironman triathlete, too!) I asked Liza how she got involved in the Pajama Program. She said:
I became involved in the Pajama Program after reading about the charity in a magazine and thinking that this would be a great program for our family. What better way to teach kids about how fortunate they are than to align yourself with a kids charity?
In July 2006,our first son was celebrating his 5th birthday, which happened to be the first party that friends were invited to, not just family. The last thing we needed in the house were 20 more toys, so I talked to him and said instead of presents, why don’t we have your friends bring a new pair of PJs for the Pajama Program?
Trust me, it wasn’t an easy “sell”, but once he figured out it was either agreeing to the PJs or not having a party, he was fine. Fast forward to April 2010 and our second son was having his first “friend” birthday party. I didn’t even have to give the PJ Program talk, it was his big brother that told him straight out- it’s either the PJs or no party. Done! Now every party we have it’s all about the PJs!!
We’ve been involved since 2006 and it’s still as fun as it was the 1st year!!”
This story reminded me of when my little brother was very small. (I am the closest sibling in age to him and he is 20.5 years younger than me!) He was fundamentally an only child and all of us “big” kids got him presents along with the adults. When he was 4 or 5, he explained to me how the toy I had gotten him wasn’t exactly what he was hoping for. (I wish I saved the voicemail he left me that was too adorable for words once he realized that he did in fact like the pirate ship educational computer game!) His mom was pretty horrified and started a practice where he had to select a few toys to donate to less fortunate children, or “the kids with no toys”, as we called them. I still remember the confused look on his face when he heard about this situation. Just like Liza’s boys, this became standard practice and we all vied to be the one who bought the keeper toys!
My step mom and dad were very involved in their synagogue and taught my little brother and many children (MB was a teacher at the synagogue’s pre-school, too) the practice of “Tzedukah“. Tzedukah is “the responsibility to give aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy, or to worthwhile causes. Tzedakah means being good stewards of and planning to give a portion of one’s personal substance for the common good.” Children often make a Tzedukah box and learn about collecting coins (i.e., part of their allowance) to donate to charity. This teaches children about their responsibility to help those in need. I loved watching Joel as he learned to understand this responsibility to his community and value this practice.
I was also recently SO impressed when Stacy said that her 8 year old niece had written her Christmas list and the first item on it was blankets for the homeless. Aunt Stacy checked out resources for the local shelters and learned that they also need toiletries and other goods. She is helping with the blankets, as well as other items, and they will go together on the 26th to deliver these items to the people who need them. I wish I was so compassionate at 8 years old! (Bravo!)
At this time of year, I like the idea of making charitable donations in honor of someone along with, or in place of, other gifts. Many people have causes that they clearly support so it is easy to choose an organization. If I do not know someone’s interests, or favorite causes, there is a great aggregator site for giving called JustGive.
JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about. A great gift idea (especially last minute!) is a GiveNow gift card. The recipient can use the GiveNow Card to donate to any of more than 1.8 million charities working throughout the world! (And if you print it yourself, there is no fee and you can get it in time for the next occasion!)
Liza’s story, remembering when Joel was little and the awesome Christmas list have me thinking about how to pass along the value (and joy) of philanthropy to the younger set. I decided to give our niece and nephew a GiveNow cards (in addition to their “regular” presents), discuss why I am giving it to them and let them choose what they would like to support.
What do you think? How do you feel about charitable gifts and teaching kids about philanthropy? When is the right age to start? What has inspired you this holiday season?