A neat holiday tradition we have
By dorannmwin
@dorannmwin (36392)
United States
November 14, 2012 11:24pm CST
This week is "Homeless for the Holidays" here in Lexington. What it is is a food and toy drive that one of the local radio stations hosts every year during the week before Thanksgiving. My little sister does a lot of volunteering with it every single year and because of that we've developed our own special tradition to go along with it.
You see, I want my children to realize that there are a lot of children that aren't as lucky as my children are and for that reason each year when this drive is coming up, I have my children go through their old toys and books and pick some that they no longer want that they can donate to children that might not have Christmas otherwise.
This is something that not only gets some things out of our house that we don't need any more, I feel like it is also something that teaches my children a great lesson in giving and being too materialistic. I started this with them when Paul was two and Kathryn was five. They are now six and nine years old. And they have brought me a lot of toys that they feel they don't need any more. I know there are some children in our community that are going to have a good Christmas morning indeed.
Does your family do anything like this during the holiday season? If you do, please share about it. If you don't I really suggest that you start a tradition like this because it really is something that makes you feel good.
7 people like this
19 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
It is really not too late for you to start to do something with your family. It doesn't matter if everyone is old and feeble, there are still little things that you can do for other people. Really, it can be something as simply as passing on those clothes that you are no longer able to use.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
15 Nov 12
I have been planning to do a charity drive like this for my birthday for many years now but couldn't seem to put it to realization. I believe I will have to try harder next year to make it happen.
I believe there are events like that here in our place, too, but I do not know of one that included going around personally handing these gifts to the poor children. There is a famous food chain here who would put up a box and receive all kinds of toys and items for kids, which they will in turn hand out to probably orphanage or the government department in-charge of street children.
I believe that this is indeed a nice and noble gesture, which young children should be able to participate as early as possible to make them feel the happiness of giving and sharing and make them realize the importance of things and how fortunate they are in their current situation.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
In this case, we don't personally hand out the gifts to the families that are in need. However, that is also something that I've done with my daughter in the past. When she was younger we were very involved in a local playgroup and the playgroup did a collection of small toys and personal care items that we then boxed up and presented to the residents of our local domestic violence shelter. I took Kathryn with us each year to distribute the gifts. The reason that I did this is so that she could see first hand the difference that our charity does make for other people.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
28 Nov 12
You are a good parent and a great person. The world needs more people like you. I truly believe that these experiences you share with and expose your children to would instill in them wisdom and knowledge of great care and love for other mankind and respect and appreciation for everything they have and don't have in their life. Your daughter is indeed lucky to a parent like you.
It may not mean much but may you and your family have a blessed holiday season and a bountiful and happy lifetime.
It may not mean much but may you and your family have a blessed holiday season and a bountiful and happy lifetime.@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
29 Nov 12
Actually, having someone wish us a blessed holiday season and a fruitful life is something that I am very appreciative of. The reason being, it is those wishes that I think make our lives go in a good direction.
@mzz663 (2772)
• United States
15 Nov 12
I think it's great that you have taught your children to share and help others in need!
I did that with my kids for years and when they grew out of playing with toys, it was clothing that they would get rid of.
Now two of my kids are grown and still help with things like this when they can, if they have the extra, they know where to send it.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I do clothes all of the time and that isn't really something that my kids have any part of. I simply keep a pile of donate clothes whenever I'm folding laundry and all of those things that I will no longer wear or that the kids have outgrown go into that pile and go straight into a donate bag.
@sweety_81 (2124)
• India
29 Nov 12
While we do not have any such special festivals, we do have some "Old Clothes Drive", or a special "Joy of Giving week". We donate old clothes, books etc. We feel while doing so since many not so fortunate people might be needing them.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
30 Nov 12
Doing things like this is something that is very honorable as well. I think that it is important to always make sure that you help others where ever you are able to do it, even when it is something that is very simple.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
16 Nov 12
Yes, we do this as well--every year since my kids were little I have made them donate a new, unopened toy for Toys for Tots. Now that they are older they give more than one apiece. We also donate a lot of our older toys and books to local elementary schools, homeless shelters, and such. I volunteer in our church's food pantry and my kids will help me sort the food there, or collect food from the neighbors for various food drives. Right now our Cub Scout Pack has organized a big donation to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and my kids have helped with that as well.
These are all really just little things because the needs of many are so great, but doing these kinds of things has gone a long way towards teaching my children the importance of helping others less fortunate than ourselves. They feel good about helping others, and it helps us to keep our own house more organized!
Your program in Lexington sounds wonderful. I think it is great that you and your children participate in it. it is also wonderful that you are writing about it and promoting it so that others will help, and that you are encouraging more people to start their own drives or participate in ones where they live. This is a very important message--thank you for sharing it!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I honestly didn't think of it that way. However, I do believe that you are right. I am also making a difference by talking about the program here and also talking about this family tradition of ours because it might be something that will encourage another family to give and thus there will be at least one more family somewhere in the world that will be helped this holiday season.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
16 Nov 12
Exactly--you are doing a huge service by discussing this idea and I am sure you will convince at least one more person to help others in need if not many more.
@apoota888 (51)
• United Arab Emirates
29 Nov 12
It is good that we teach children the gift of sharing to the less fortunate so that when they grow up, they can continue on with this good trait. I don't have children of my own but I make it a point to teach my nieces on how this works so that they will end up to be a caring citizen for their country. I teach them that they can do this not only during Christmas but anytime of the year.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
30 Nov 12
You are right that it shouldn't be something that you only do at one time of the year. In fact, though I only encourage my children to go through their toys once a year, I do find that when I have them clean up their rooms, they will come to me with a box of toys that they don't need any more.
And as for me, I am constantly going through the clothes and such and always keep a bag in my laundry clothes of clean clothes that need to be donated.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
22 Nov 12
I really wish that there was more that our family was able to do, but right now we just can't do any more. However, I do think that the little bit that we are able to do is something that is helping a lot of people that aren't as fortunate as we are.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
15 Nov 12
I used to take all my leftover yarn and crochet mittens and scarves and donate them to the Salvation Army for someone who needs them...but in the last few years I have been so busy....but still write them a check. This year my sister and her family are serving Thanksgiving dinner to the less fortunate....I would but our town is so small that there are more then enough volunteers....Hopefully when I retire I'll have more time to go back to doing some of the things that make the holidays so special like donating mittens!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I would honestly never have thought of doing something like your crochet mittens to donate to the homeless. That is really a cool idea.
I also do understand that you are busy with your life and that does mean that you aren't able to do as much right now as you used to do. I would imagine that you will find more time to do charitable works after you have retired.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
16 Nov 12
Having family traditions can be a good thing.
I am endeavoring to contribute to my community throughout the year. We have just settled into a new place, so it will take a while before I have really deep roots here. However, I am working on it.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
We actually have a lot of different family traditions. However of all of the traditions that we have, I think that this is the best tradition because it is something that is not only good for us, it is something that is really good for others as well.
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
17 Nov 12
You are certainly doing a great job for mankind in general; we must teach kids to be good kind from young age; few years ago i had put 2 boxes near my gate; one for unused medicines and the other for toys and dresses; some people dropped medicines, toys; dresses in them, i gave them to involuntary workers to distribute among the needy..
one night i discovered that the boxes were stolen, so i stopped this effort; i felt so sad
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
19 Nov 12
Problems similar to what you've talked about in this discussion do happen here from time to time. You see, many of the charities have drop boxes where you are able to drop off donations at any time of the day or night. However, there are dishonest people that will steal from those donation locations.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
15 Nov 12
hi dear dorannmwin, thats such a great idea you have here. It gets the toys and books out your kids have outgrown and others will be happy to have them.
In my family sadly that stuff was hoarded for whatever reason. My room was too stuffed as it didnt grow with me so to say. First time I was allowed to weed out in that old stuff was when I was 14 or 16, dont really remember that clearly, and my mother was wailing and complaining all the way that I didnt want to keep these oh so lovely things......
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I wouldn't be able to be one of those people that held onto things for my entire life. The reason that I wouldn't have been able to do something like that is because of the fact that my parents were always encouraging us to pass on things that we no longer had a need for when I was younger.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
15 Nov 12
That is so neat.. to help with that. I also help our church here in mexico take care of the homeless. We cook for them a few times leading up to xmas day. We also collect cloths and things from them. i wish I could do more.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I come from the belief that there is no act of charity that we can do for other people that is too small. I too wish that I was able to do more, but I love the fact that I am able to help where I can.
@Jeffery_superman (179)
• China
16 Nov 12
It is a very good tradition for your family. You just set a goood emample for your children. It is very important for a person to give for we just receive everyday, such as education from school, salary from your boss, care from your family, and love from your friends. The adults hold the responsibility to cultivate your children such a consciousness of giving, which will make them more independently and more accountable.
Of course, i also have these kinds of experience. Our neighbourhood always call upon the residents to do some donations every year, and the company will also email all the staff to make some contributions to the poor people. It has become our routine every year just like yours.
I hope more people will join in this group. Your small hints of giving will bring big changes to the people on the edge of life.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I do think that the good feeling that we get from passing on things that we no longer need to individuals that don't have anything doesn't compare to the feeling of thankfulness that the recipients of our kindness have when they see that they actually do have a gift for Christmas and food on their table.
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
15 Nov 12
Thisis full of awesomenessssssssssss... so like it. We have regular family gatherings we dont do charity lol. We believe the Charity begins at home. LOL so we just help each other out. We don't have much to share, we just have enough. Maybe someday when we have finished our obligations to many bills we can. But as a family we share to each other specially when in need. Just a good job. you and your family deserves 100 claps.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
Honestly, we don't things like this for any kind of recognition. Instead the reason that we do this is because of the fact that we do things like this is simply because of the good feeling that it gives us.
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
15 Nov 12
Your traditional customs deserve rich encomiums.Many children around the world are left with no comforts and are quite devoid of the possession of playthings and toys.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
That is right. We are lucky to live where we do, there aren't as many people in dire need here as there are in other places throughout the world. However, there is no shortage of need in this country.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
15 Nov 12
wow what a fantastic mom you are. this is one of the best things ive heard. i never did that with the older ones and the younger ones tho, we went and fed them. took food to the shelters and helped distribute the plates etc. i have always taught them all to give to other less fortunate and it took with 3 out of 5.
still pretty good odds i guess. @dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I do feel like ding this with my children is giving them a much greater gift than they will ever understand that I've given to them. We've never done anything first hand with the entire family where they have the opportunity to meet those people that are less fortunate than us, but it is something that I want to start doing now that Paul is getting old enough to help.
One thing that I really want to do, but I know that I can't financially afford it this year, is to talk to the Family Resource Center at the children's school and adopt a family that wouldn't be able to have a Christmas without our help. I'd like to buy gifts for the family and provide them with a Christmas dinner as well. This is something that I'm hoping to be able to do next year.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
15 Nov 12
that's one nice tradition, dorannmwin!
there is a fastfood chain that's been doing this drive for the past years already. unfortunately when it started my kids are already grown ups and the toys and books were given to little children in the community.
this is really nice for children to participate into and to also learn from it.
there is a fastfood chain that's been doing this drive for the past years already. unfortunately when it started my kids are already grown ups and the toys and books were given to little children in the community.
this is really nice for children to participate into and to also learn from it.@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I don't really think that there are many things that you can do with your children while they are small that doesn't somehow teach them an important lesson in life. This is definitely one of those things.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
15 Nov 12
Last night we donated a toy for a local Nevada charity (this was our first time). We will also be looking for an angel tree where you pull of a name of a child and buy the child a gift. In the past we always looked for a name of one of our deceased relatives to do this in their memory and since we have been grateful that nobody in our family has passed we will pick the name Jeff (after my late uncle who passed back in 2007). We will also be donating to the toys for tots drive and also look for a local food drive. We will be giving a dollar to the salvation Army. I think it is great that the children are helping those less fortunate.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I think that the reason that I do things like this with my family is because of the fact that I've done things like this with my family since I was a young child. I definitely do remember shopping for a child off of the Angel Trees while I was growing up and I remember doing various other volunteer works throughout my childhood as well.
@riyauro (6421)
• India
15 Nov 12
It is a great tradition and I think people should do that because it is a good thing. Yeah when kids know how to give it is good. I have seen some kids do not want to share or give their toys to other kids. I do not like that attitude. even some people will keep things when they are not even using it. the thing will rot but they will not care to give it away to somebody who can utilize it. I wish there are more people like you in this world. I usually give away things which I do not use. Two ladies come to my house to do some house work and i give them what i am not using. It is good to have a hand of giving. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day ahead..
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
16 Nov 12
For me, it isn't just something that I do during the holiday season as I am constantly bagging clothes that we are no longer going to wear or that the children have outgrown and donating them at different times throughout the year.
It is my hope that by starting small like this with my children they will eventually have the same heart for charity that I've developed.
