We all want to teach our children to be
kind and generous, especially in today's world. It can be both
heartening and overwhelming to know that they learn directly by watching
us -- the way we interact with others, the manner in which we speak, and
the things we value most.
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| "Garden Clean-Up Grand Rapids Montessori School" by Steven Depolo |
This
time of year, many of us have long To-Do lists. Simultaneously, we
strive to concentrate our efforts on making memories. Many Parent Talk members are also looking for ways to give back to the community. We would like to help you in these efforts!
Ways to Give Back, Give Thanks, and Spread Kindness
1. Share the food pantry wish list from Needham Community Council with your children and have them pick an item to purchase on your next trip to the grocery store. Pop by the food pantry together to drop it off.
2. Help your children choose one or more toys that they no longer play with and donate them to an organization such as Cradles to Crayons.
3. Explain to your child the importance of thanking public service workers for all that they do to keep us safe. Help them write a note and/or draw a picture and drop it off at a police or fire station.
4. Connect with the Needham Community Council to find out what it needs for its holiday outreach programs. One possibility is decorating bags to hold gifts for local nursing home residents. Your kids could also make holiday cards to send along with NCC's turkey dinners that are dropped off with local families.
5. Find a good-sized rock, help your child paint it, and write an inspirational word or quote on it. Place it in a popular place where it will bring a smile to people's faces when they see it. Some places to put rocks include next to a tree in a park, on the edge of a frequently traveled path, or give it to a teacher for use as a door stop. The goal is to pick a place where it can spread kindness and happiness to others.
Ways to Give Back, Give Thanks, and Spread Kindness
1. Share the food pantry wish list from Needham Community Council with your children and have them pick an item to purchase on your next trip to the grocery store. Pop by the food pantry together to drop it off.
2. Help your children choose one or more toys that they no longer play with and donate them to an organization such as Cradles to Crayons.
3. Explain to your child the importance of thanking public service workers for all that they do to keep us safe. Help them write a note and/or draw a picture and drop it off at a police or fire station.
4. Connect with the Needham Community Council to find out what it needs for its holiday outreach programs. One possibility is decorating bags to hold gifts for local nursing home residents. Your kids could also make holiday cards to send along with NCC's turkey dinners that are dropped off with local families.
5. Find a good-sized rock, help your child paint it, and write an inspirational word or quote on it. Place it in a popular place where it will bring a smile to people's faces when they see it. Some places to put rocks include next to a tree in a park, on the edge of a frequently traveled path, or give it to a teacher for use as a door stop. The goal is to pick a place where it can spread kindness and happiness to others.
Organizations Parent Talk Supports/Has Supported
Let Parent Talk know if you want help in getting connected to opportunities to support the organizations below, or others. These links are to the organizations (along with some opportunities to get involved) that Parent Talk has supported through the years. If you have hatched your own idea, don't be afraid to reach out! Parent Talk is interested in helping you develop initiatives that help the community.
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| "cradles-to-crayons-4" by Barb Hoyer |
Needham Community Council (Fit To Be Tied Program; Food Pantry)
Project Night-Night
The Walker School
Home For Little Wanderers
Room To Grow
Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
Library Foundation of Needham (Little Free Libraries)
Cradles to Crayons
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Operation Christmas Child
Bagong Kulturang Pinoy
Arm2Arm
Lynn Women's Health
The above are opportunities to feel accomplished while showing your kids what matters most. Please feel free to contact Parent Talk's Community Relations Chair at cheripugatch@gmail.com, anytime with questions, comments, or ideas about supporting our communities.
About the Author
Cheri Pugatch is mom to three daughters and a golden retriever puppy. Before becoming Parent Talk's Chair of Community Relations, she was a kindergarten teacher. She enjoys volunteering in her daughters' schools and with various non-profits. Cheri is very excited to get more involved in Parent Talk, where she brings her passion for connecting children and families with community service.
Parent Talk Wishes You Happy Holidays! May this Season (and Beyond) Be Filled with Meaning and Memories!
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