Shaun Groves, who was among 15 bloggers who traveled to Uganda recently with Compassion International, has some tips for teaching kids about poverty without leaving them hopeless. His children participate in his family’s sponsorship of children through Compassion.
We’re trying to show our kids a picture of hope, not despair. It’s lesson after lesson crafted to be inspiring, not devastating.
Categories: children · overseas · poverty
November 12-19 is national collection week for Operation Christmas Child. It’s not too late to pack a shoebox; find your nearest drop-off location here.
Samaritan’s Purse also has a catalog of alternative gift giving ideas. Kids can give hot meals, blankets, story books, and other items to needy children all over the world.
Categories: care packages · charity · children · food · hunger · overseas · poverty
UPDATED January 2008:
Edmay Mayers, who is a U. S. Army Corps of Engineers member who formerly served in Iraq, began collecting new and gently used stuffed animals and toys to give to Iraqi children. She has returned to the states, but you can still send boxes to the address below.
Address the package to Toys for Iraqi Children at the following address:
USACE-GRS
APO AE 09331
You can find out how to get free shipping supplies (not including postage) here.
Find out more about this project at Parent Hacks, which also includes a wealth of other ideas for families.
Categories: care packages · children · overseas · poverty
America’s Second Harvest is hosting National Hunger Awareness Day on Tuesday, June 5. Check the directory of events to find out what individuals and domestic hunger-relief organizations are doing to address hunger in your community. You and your family can find out about volunteer opportunities available, go on tours of area food banks, donate to food drives, and participate in various other events.
Categories: food · hunger · poverty
A Colorado youth’s heart was touched when she became aware of poverty’s effects on other children in her community. She and her mother started a charity called A Birthday for Me to provide parties and presents for homeless and low-income infants and children. You can read more about Micheli and the organization she initiated here.
This is such a wonderful model of a child seeing a need in her community and taking action to solve the problem. Micheli didn’t let her age or the lack of an existing organization stop her, and her enthusiasm and compassion will hopefully inspire others.
From the article:
Adults or children who want to help with the next birthday party or those who want to donate money, toys, entertainment or other birthday services should e-mail Micheli at abirthdayforme@gmail.com.
