Encourage Kids To Give Back This Holiday Season With The BGCA

The Holiday Season is here! I know that many kids are busy making wish lists full of all the presents they'd like to see under the Christmas tree this year. Maybe they want the new Wii U system and some great video games...Maybe it's a Furby that tops their wish list. Or maybe they want 30 pairs of black jeans, studded Doc Martens, and Angry Birds T-shirts like my (weird, slighly emo) soon to be 13 year old.

While the Holidays produce a lot of wants, presents aren't the real reason for celebration. Family, friends, and giving back to the community and those less fortunate are. You can make a difference and teach your kids the power of giving back by joining the Boys & Girls Club of America by giving the gift of a contribution or volunteer services. This is a great way to teach kids empathy and philanthropy, and let's face it: Giving always feels good!

Recently, the BGCA launched their 2nd Annual Give the Gift of a Great Future Holiday Campaign. They have partnered with Shaq's mother, Lucille O'Neal, in this endeavor. From what I have seen of her, she is a wonderful, giving woman who has raised her children to have strong values and great big hearts. (Hey, the heart must match the super-sized shoes!)

To learn what you and your kids can do to help, visit the Give the Gift of a Great Future website. There are a ton of fun things to do on the site, and it will definitely get your family excited about helping others. Here you'll find:

- an interactive Giving Game to easily donate a gift to a Club this season.

- a Kids Give Back contest photo gallery where you can vote on your favorite picture of BGCA kids serving their communities. (I voted for the Bristol, CT Chapter! Club kids chose to collect stuffed animals for the EMS Services to use on calls involving children. The children collected over 100 stuffed animals to donate. The EMS service came with the ambulance to collect all donations.)

- a list of tips to help you teach your children that giving back is a wonderful thing to do.

Some of the tips I like the best include:
-Baking or cooking together and taking the dish to an elderly or disabled neighbor.
-Volunteering together.
-Praising their efforts. Did your kids share their toys or help someone else? Let them know you're proud of them!


Even though two of my three children are toddlers, we try hard to pass along good, solid values to them. We do our best to lead by example, and are always willing to help those who need it whenever we're able. Kids are never too young to start making a difference, and the Holiday season is a great time to start a family tradition of helping others! I'd definitely recommend checking out the resources at the BGCA for more ideas and projects you can get involved in!

***Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.***