Excerpted from
Thanks & Giving: All Year Long by Marlo Thomas and Friends.
"Include your children when you're talking about giving to charity. Bringing kids into the discussion shows them that we're all in this together."
‑‑Donald Trump
Keep three piggy banks in your room instead of just one. Then divide your money (whether it's your allowance, or a gift, or a reward for a chore you've done) this way:
• Piggy Bank #1: for spending on something to buy today (a CD?)
• Piggy Bank #2: for saving up for something expensive you really want (a bike?)
• Piggy Bank #3: for giving to help something you care about (the rain forest?)
"My father didn't have that much money, but he was a generous person. He taught me that if you don't have money, you can always give time."
‑‑Ted Turner
Turn your favorite hobby into an act of giving.
• Do you enjoy riding your bike? Then volunteer to deliver groceries to someone in your neighborhood who is housebound.
• Do you like working outdoors? Why not help an elderly neighbor weed her garden?
• Are you a born performer? Put on a show in your backyard to raise money for an after-school program.
"I believe that children who have a lot should think about kids who don't have as much. Children learn by watching their parents. We can teach them how to be generous."
‑‑Barry Diller
Next time Mom and Dad say to you, "What would you like for your birthday?" ask them if one present could be a contribution to a place where you can help make a difference. For example:
• An animal shelter
• The local science museum
• A place you think of
