One thing I always knew as we were growing up was that no matter how poor we were there were always people who were much worse off than we were. In fact for the most part I didn’t know that we were poor. We always had a roof over our heads and plenty to eat. I know my parents, especially my mother, worked very hard to make sure that we had a warm home with everything we needed. We also knew that it was in our power to help others who were not as fortunate.
I want my sons to be aware that there are people in this world that need our help, many of them in our own community. Especially at this time of year, when we are getting into the Christmas and Advent season, there are so many opportunities both near and far to help out our fellow man. I have plans to help out a few charities this year including the food bank, Operation Christmas Child and I think a family through the Christmas Bureau or St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Kerrisdale. I know that Aidan especially will feel good about helping out children who need a little Christmas in their lives.
Operation Christmas Child is our first for the season. Aidan and I will go out this afternoon and fill up two boxes with toys and notebooks and pencils and crayons for a child somewhere in a very poor country. Sometimes they go to countries recovering from civil war, some from natural disasters or famine.
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We went out to find some things for our two boxes. So far we have a small stuffed animal, some dinkies, pencils, crayons. There is still a bunch or room so we will put in some more practical items like toothbrushes, a comb and maybe a t-shirt. Aidan is also making a Christmas card for each box as well.
I hope that Aidan and Quinlan will grow up knowing that we can help people. I hope that by doing these things while the boys are growing up that they will develop a sense of social responsibility. Those of us that have means should help in some way, whether it be helping out a food bank, or sponsoring a child, or helping out a school in our community. I think I am on the right track.
It is great that you are passing on those great qualities that you learned growing up to your children now. I’m sure that they will do the same with their families (when the time comes of course). If you are interested in helping out a charity for children, there is a great organization called Operation Smile that helps children to get cleft palate surgery. They accept holiday donations in many different forms, including care packages, antibiotics, and even warm blankets. You ARE on the right track!
I am so proud of my girl!!