Ring-a-ling-ers

Another sure sign that the holiday’s are upon us is The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles and their annual “Red Kettle Campaign”.  There are so many amazing organizations out there to donate to and this is just one of them, but I think for children it is one that is easy to participate in.  Every time I take the boys to Target or the grocery store, they see the “Ring-a-ling-ers” (that is what my boys call them) cheerfully ringing their bells no matter the temperature!  Children always seem to have such BIG HEARTS and mine are no exception.  When ever we see the Ring-a-lingers my boys want to put a little money in their kettle.  Of course, being a busy mom, I am often in a rush or don’t have cash.  I feel like this year my boys are old enough to recognize my selfish, lazy ways so I have a plan!

Step 1:  Decide how much you’d be willing to donate to the Salvation Army ($10,$20, $30, $40, $50 etc..)  Depending on the age of your children they may also have their own money they would like to donate.

Step 2:  Go to the bank and get that amount of money in $1.00 bills

Step 3:  Keep the $1.00 bills handy and every time you and your family pass by the Red Kettles give your children a dollar or two to donate.

Step 4:  Talk to your kids about what their money is going towards…  The Salvation Army is a charitable organization that helps care for the poor and homeless…  Talk to them about those who might be less fortunate and how their dollar will help them in all sorts of different ways….

Times are not great right now and I know for many money is tight. Charitable giving is significantly down.  But think of it this way,  there are so many MORE people that will benefit from organizations like the Salvation Army this year and if we are able to donate even the smallest bit, we are not only helping those less fortunate, but we are teaching our children the importance of GIVING…