More than any other year, 2020 seems to be forcing families to reconsider all their traditions — whether school, celebration, or holiday related. At least the global pandemic has provided ample opportunities for us to teach our kids gratefulness and giving, as well as how to count our blessings.
Now that Thanksgiving is around the corner, many of us are considering having our kids participate in Giving Tuesday, that falls on December 1 this year. Here are some safe Giving Tuesday ideas for kids in this unprecedented year.
What is Giving Tuesday and why is it important?
Giving Tuesday ideas for kids
Due to the global pandemic, many of the in-person ways to participate in Giving Tuesday may be best postponed until it is safer to do so. In light of the recent surge in COVID-19 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you only gather with people within your household. Please check with your doctor and your local state, county, and city laws to make sure you’re following the current health and safety protocols.
Should you decide to participate in in-person activities for Giving Tuesday, experts warn to be vigilent. Make sure activities take place outdoors in small groups. “For children, keep hand sanitizer and wipes handy and find good-fitting masks that fit snugly over the nose and the mouth,” Dr. Steph Lee — pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — told Mom.com.
There are plenty of safe ways our kids can join the global movement. You can also find other causes and project ideas for how your children can provide support on the Giving Tuesday site.
Ask kids who they want to help and in what way
Ask your child, “Who do you want to help?” Like adults, children are more apt to help in a cause they’re personally invested in.
“My kids have always decided how they want to give our family gift to Heifer International,” Leticia Barr told Mom.com. “They pour over the catalog or look on the website and sometimes divide the money between a variety of animals, or sometimes give the entire amount towards a share of a larger animal.”
Stock your local food pantry or food bank
While local food banks always need donations — particularly in summer months when it is not top of mind — the holiday season also puts a strain on their services. Your child can “shop” from your own pantry for canned goods, food staples, and shelf-stable items to donate or help you choose what food items to buy in your online shopping cart. Alternatively, you can hold a food drive and then deliver to your local food pantry.
Make care packages for the unhoused and those experiencing homelessness
Create kits containing necessities like toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items for folks who are currently unhoused, and your child can go with you to distribute to local shelters, community centers, religious centers. Many have drive-through donation systems in place.
Host a book or toy drive
Your child can collect gently used books or toys from your own home and their friends and family. The items can then be donated to local shelters, community centers, or children’s hospitals. Alternatively, you can sell and then donate the proceeds.
Collect gently used or new coats
Now that fall and winter are here, many families are struggling with paying utilities and children are especially at risk. Involve your child in sorting your closets and ask local friends and family for their gently used or new coats. Organizations like One Warm Coat or the Salvation Army can help.
