I think it’s important to help kids learn compassion. Children are sometimes very selfish creatures, and not on purpose. But just because they have a perspective of the world that they assume is world-wide.
We recently had some training issues with the kids involving the understand of privileges vs necessities. Gratitude and compassion stem from understanding privilege, and the fact that not everyone has access to the same privileges they do. Operation Christmas Child gave us a chance to exercise compassion in an active, meaningful way, by participating in putting together a shoebox for a child in need.
My kids each decided to make a shoebox for a child their age and gender. We read through the list of recommended items. We talked about what it would be like to not have many toys, or money to buy toys. To need socks, tooth brushes, and other every day items.
Then we went shopping. Oh my word did we go shopping. The kids very carefully used their dollar from their Donate area of their piggy bank. We discussed the size of items, and the size of the shoeboxes. We worked really hard to select good, safe-to-send, and a variety of items that would be fun.
Brianna even had the brilliant idea of sending her tooth in the box so her girl could get an extra dollar from the tooth fairy. Sweet. Misguided but so sweet in the innocent, childlike way that melts your heart.
The kids were careful to pack their shoeboxes. Except Adam – he keep trying to take the lion and army man back. We just had to keep reminding him about the boy we were sending the box to and keeping him focused on that. The kids took their boxes to our church – our local drop off point.
What a collection! See the video of how it all came together for our family.
And now it’s your turn!
- Spread the word about Operation Christmas Child.
- Pack a shoebox and turn it in to your local collection point.
- Donate $7 to help with the costs to deliver your shoebox.
My kids packed their shoeboxes, picked out their items, and sent the boxes on their way. Your turn!
This holiday season build a box with your family to teach kindness, compassion, and generosity.
BlogFrog will match the first 200 boxes that are built. Pledge your commitment below to build a box today on Facebook or Twitter!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Operation Christmas Child. The opinions and text are all mine.
