I’m happy to report that the boys each picked a charity for their donations.
Finley used the money from the “donate” slot on his piggy bank to buy two toys for children at the local domestic violence shelter. He picked out the two toys himself (LEGOs –surprise! — and the game, Operation) and paid for them in quarters. Then he happily put them in the toy collection box at our local YMCA.
Cooper’s school has been collecting money for victims of Hurricane Sandy, so when I mentioned that there might be people without homes or toys that we could help, he immediately latched on to the idea of helping people build homes. We first thought of donating to Habitat for Humanity, but I remembered YouthBuild. The group helps low-income youth ages 16-24 earn their GEDs and develop job skills through work on affordable housing projects. So, we matched Cooper’s money and made a donation to our local chapter.
Thanks to all of you who provided such wonderful suggestions for ways we could help this holiday season. Even though #GivingTuesday has passed, it’s not too late to work charity into your holiday plans.
Kirsten W. Larson 