5 Ways to Get Kids Involved in Charitable Acts

This post has been sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and Huggies. All opinions are mine alone. #HuddleUpWithHuggies #DiaperNeed #CollectiveBias #Ad

As a child, my dad wasn’t around very much, but the one thing we bonded over was our love of professional football, specifically the Miami Dolphins. We would watch the games at home together with a snack. It was usually our only opportunity to enjoy time together. As a father to two young children myself, I want to be actively involved in all aspects of their lives, teach them how to be involved in our community, and show them the importance of being philanthropic. 

There are many ways to get your kids involved in charitable acts. You and your kids can shop to provide cancer support, donate toys and books or simply help out your elderly neighbors with their tasks. And here are five more ways your family can help:

SUPPORT THE SCHOOL’S PTA

My children attend the largest elementary school in the district, with almost 1000 students in grades K – 5. We have a very active Parent Teacher Association, so we try our best to get involved. Carrie re-built the PTA’s website, and I have participated as a member of the Wildcat Dads, the school’s father-led activity committee. Here’s a picture from this school year’s first event: Superhero Capture the Flag. We had a blast!

DONATE GENTLY USED ITEMS

When we moved from South Florida to our new home in North-Central Florida, we donated dozens of bags of gently-used clothing, books, electronics, baby items, toys, and more, along with larger pieces from throughout our house. We had the kids help find items they were willing to part with to give to others in need. In our new home, we planned a complete home renovation project {kitchen remodel, dining room-to-office conversion, and sunroom addition}. One thing that was important to us as a family was donating our old kitchen cabinets {and anything else salvageable from our home} to someone who could really use it. Luckily, one of our contractors knew an elderly woman who was in need of cabinets for her kitchen. We felt very fortunate to be able to help her.

HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS

Between Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, so many people were left without homes, electricity, clothing, and other very basic items. We teach our children to do whatever they can to help others who are in need. At a recent food truck event, we donated money for families in Puerto Rico. Every bit helps! I have also purchased some items, like blankets, to donate as well. We always make sure to explain to our kids the importance of giving what you can to help others.

DONATE TO LOCAL MUSEUMS

In addition to helping individuals, we like to show our support to local non-profit organizations. We frequent the Florida Museum of Natural History, a free museum on the University of Florida campus that is open to the public. They just built an amazing new area for children and launched a new exhibit celebrating 100 years since they first opened. Each time, I encourage the kids to donate money to support our museum.

SUPPORT THE NATIONAL DIAPER BANK

In September, the National Diaper Bank Network and founding sponsor Huggies announced a study that revealed one-in-three American families continue to struggle with diaper need. Huggies No Baby Unhugged has provided ongoing support for the organization and has donated more than 200 million diapers and baby wipes,since 2011. At the October 22nd, 2017, Miami Dolphins game, fans can bring Huggies diapers and donate between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Plaza at Hard Rock Stadium. Fans can also donate diapers through the Huggies No Baby Unhugged Amazon registry. All donations benefit the Happy Baby Diaper Pantry of S.E. Florida, a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, to help South Florida families with diaper need. Want to find another way to help? Parents can also donate their Huggies Rewards points to benefit the National Diaper Bank Network.

Head to Publix where you can purchase a variety of Huggies diapers in the baby care section.“Huddle Up” with Huggies by donating diapers at game-day events of the football team nearest to you to help local families in need.

How do you teach your children to give back?