Well, I happen to have two $25 DonorsChoose giving cards that I'd be delighted to hand out. If interested, just leave a comment here or on our FamZoo Facebook page about any thoughts you might have related to kids and philanthropy.
I’ll pick the two most interesting ones by 9pm Pacific Time tonight (6/2/2010). I'll send the winners the redemption codes by email (which you can send to us privately via our Contact Form).
The cards expire June 15th, so you'll want to sit down with your child and select a project right away.
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13 comments:
I believe empathy is the key to raising charitable children. It is in any one moment that our lives can change forever and any one of the people we are helping could be us. "Treat others as you would like to be treated" is the foundation of our family and the main rule by which we all live.
Nice Heather! Love your comment! My Mom was really excellent at instilling a sense of empathy in our family while I was growing up (and still is).
Children learn empathy and philanthropy by seeing it in action. I teach kindergarten and always pick a needy family or two to help during the year, My own children go shopping and deliver the presents. (These students do not know my husband or children do they do the deliveries. I do not want my students to know I'm involved.)
We have also adopted the former housekeeper at my school who had to leave due to health problems. She and her husband are raising their 3 disabled grandchildren. When my Mom passed away 2 years ago, we all decided that whatever holidays we would have honored Mom, we would do it for this family. my kids are great at reminding me ofMom's birthday etc by asking, "What are we going to do for Mrs. N's family this time!"
I hope that their compassion and loving spirits will last their lifetime. Maybe 1 day they will be in positions to do more.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
MJ: I'm a huge fan of learning by doing. What you're doing for families in need and the way you're involving your kids is absolutely tremendous. I love your stories and ideas.
P.S. My daughter is in the Education school at Cal Poly SLO and plans to be a kindergarten teacher like yourself. Needless to say, we're very proud!
Thanks Bill.
I wish your daughter the best. Kindergarten is so much fun!
I do need to add though that if I win, I will not be very philanthropic, I'll use the giving card for my project LOL And if I do not win, I hope the winners will take a look at my project.
http://www.donorschoose.org/mj.coward
MJ: no problem - I like your "New Beginnings - New Supplies" project ;-)
P.S. Here's my DonorsChoose page: http://www.donorschoose.org/donor/22585?page=1&max=50
Philanthrophy is the most profound kind of gift. It is the spark that pushes people to do more and be more. It is the responsibility of adults to teach this to our children. When children know that they can make someone's life better even by doing a simple favor, they will learn a skill that they can use for the rest of their lives. Society would be better if more people got into the habit of giving instead of always taking. Philanthropy is the solution to society's major problems. If people were to give more, they would see that giving makes them socially responsible. When you take care of someone, you take care of yourself. Children who can learn this at a young age can practice it throughout their lifetime.
Mrs M - really excellent sentiments. I particularly like: "When you take care of someone, you take care of yourself". Thank you for the comments.
Thank you for the opportunity. I really enjoy reading your blog.
Wow Bill! You have helped many students! Great job!
Heather, MJ, Mrs. M., we loved all of your entries and I happen to have an additional Giving Card code, so you're all winners. ;-)
We've sent emails to Heather and MJ with the codes (let me know if you have not received them). Mrs. M., please send us your email to:
info [at] famzoo.com
so we can send you your code as well.
Regards,
Bill
Thanks so much Bill. I did apply the giving card to my own project. My class received no $$ for supplies last year. Every pencil and crayon either came from DonorsChoose or out of my own pocket. This year is even worse! (Last year we did get our phonics program and 3 packs of copy paper.) Our district has managed to keep ALL employees so that is wonderful.
My project is a hodgepodge of things I need and want to start the new year.
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=397701
Thanks again,
MJ
Thank you, Bill! My older children and I spent time looking through many projects at DonorsChoose and settled on this one; Time for Kids Subscription: Keeping Up with Current Events!http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=383892
We are big readers in our home and we think this sounds like a fun addition to a classroom. We are a homeschool family. :-)
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