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Students can donate their personal or business income at the Community First Foundation Donation Station at Young AmeriTowne Belmar.
Kids are very generous. So many YouthBiz owners donate a portion (or all!) of their profits to help others. In Young AmeriTowne last year, students donated an average of $2.25 per student–pretty remarkable given that their salary is only $20-$30. And in Spark Change, students collect change and donate their time, talent, and treasure to a nonprofit. As giving it top of mind this month, Young Americans Center wants to share our best ideas for helping your kids learn how to give, too!
KidsforColoradoGives.org
Created by Community First Foundation, Kids for Colorado Gives is the perfect place for young people to learn about giving. Parents and grandparents purchase a Giving eCard, and then kids use this card to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. Community First has designed their site to be informative, fun, safe and kid-friendly. There’s a quiz to help youth decide what kinds of programs interest them, there’s a Giving Activity Kit for parents and educators, plus every donation comes with a downloadable coloring page.
Toys for Tots
If you have a child that wants to help other kids, Toys for Tots might be a good choice. This annual campaign is back for its 72nd year of providing toys for children at Christmas. Organized by the Marine Corps, Toys for Tots distributes an average of 18 million new, unwrapped toys to 7 million children annually. With 20 drop-off locations across the Denver metro area, there’s sure to be a collection site near you.
Take a Hike
Many kids want to do something to help their environment. Why not plan a hike or a trip to the park, and pick up trash while you’re there? Bring a trash bag (or two) per child, and a few sets of kid-sized gloves. With younger kids especially, it’s a good idea to talk about trash that only adults should handle, too.
Overwhelmingly, adults give because it feels good. With a little help, children can experience this same satisfaction. Why not make giving, as a family, a part of your holiday traditions?
