The holidays are here which means out busy season has started. Between school, work, extra-curriculars, performances, gatherings and holiday parties, we are busy, busy, busy. One thing we are never too busy for is charity. The holidays are the best time of year for giving back to our communities. I take every opportunity to teach my children how to give back. The holiday season is not about how much you receive, it's about how much you give back to others! I started teaching my children how to give back since they were toddlers and now giving back to our community has become holiday tradition!
1. Participate in donation drives. Donation drives have popped up all over. Whether its food cans for our local food banks or toys for children, make sure you donate. I take my kids to the store to purchase canned items and toys. They pick everything out and then take them to school where there are collection bins.
2. Donate used toys and clothing. Every year, twice a year actually, we go through all our toys and clothes and donate things we have outgrown. I know many families already do this and honestly, it's the easiest way to help. Kids outgrow toys and clothes all year long. We just gather it into boxes and donate to local churches.
3. Volunteer to pack meals. My family and I wake up early on Thanksgiving morning and help pack meals for the homeless. This is an activity that will not cost you a penny, just a couple hours of your time. The whole family can help too.
4. Eat Dinner! This weekend I found a new way to help, just by eating dinner. I found out that for every prepared meal and Coca-Cola beverage purchased from the Walmart deli in November and December, meals will be provided to families in need through the Salvation Army. We headed out to Walmart and purchased a rotisserie chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, a five cheese pizza and a 2-liter Coca-Cola.
Everything was already prepared, all I had to do was bake the pizza which took about 15 minutes. Dinner in 15 minutes? Sounds AMAZING to this busy mamma!
Want to go a step further to help families in need? Use the hashtag #GiveHappiness to share a picture of your own family enjoying Coca-Cola and a prepared meal from Walmart Deli and you will be spreading awareness about the program and inspiring others in need!
Make sure to check out all the yummy food available at your local Walmart deli. In a rush for dinner? Pick up a prepared meal and a Coca-Cola and you are set!!
How do you teach your children to give back during the holiday season? We also participate in fun runs and shoebox packing. The kids really enjoy it all!
