(Central New York – Dec. 2015) When local children were asked what they could do to make a difference in the community, their responses were fun and heartwarming: “donate toys“; “adopt an animal”; “plant trees”; and “share my playset with my neighbor“, were just a few that made us smile. Hundreds of children living in Syracuse and surrounding neighborhoods took part in the activity within their schools and afterschool programs this month to usher in a larger effort by the Central New York Community Foundation designed to help families, teachers and mentors engage children and teens in charitable giving. View a gallery of the drawings.
Children were more likely to give to charity if their parents talked to them about it, regardless of their age, family income or ethnicity, according to a 2013 United Nations Foundation study. To help families, educators and youth leaders get started with the conversation and take action in their community, the Community Foundation launched a website for #GivingTuesday, a national movement designed to celebrate a global day of giving. The site contains activities and resources that can be utilized with children to promote kindness and giving at any stage during their development.
In addition to a photo gallery of the submitted drawings from local children, visitors to the site will find links to websites that offer volunteer and charitable giving opportunities for children and teens. For example, a link to Project Giving Kids will help children identify causes important to them. VolunteenNation can connect teenagers with volunteer needs in their local community. Also referenced are lesson plans teachers can use in the classroom and books exemplifying the giving spirit that families can read with their children.
An infographic depicts “10 Easy Charitable Giving Activities for Children & Families.” Some ideas posed include planning a charitable birthday party or donating pet food to a local animal rescue. The Community Foundation is asking the community to share these ideas, as well as their own, with friends, family members and the community. Social media users can join the conversation using hashtag #GivingTuesdayCNY.
“We all want to see children exhibiting care for others, empathy and a generous spirit, but those qualities have to be nurtured in order to take root. The engaging activities provided on this site
provide parents, mentors and teachers with practical ways to engage children in the community while teaching them important life lessons along the way,” said Jennifer Owens, Vice President, Development & Marketing at the Community Foundation. “These activities can engage family members of all ages across generations, opening up conversation and uncovering shared values in the process.
About #GivingTuesday
Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.