We Have a Big Heart...

 I am always  looking for opportunities to teach my kids compassion and to see the world beyond their four little walls. Recently, I learned of a wonderful organization that is dedicated to that very thing -- Big Hearted Families. And we are joining in!Big Hearted Families offers a terrific website that is a one-stop shop for parents with the same goals. It provides ideas, supporting books and articles, and follow-up questions to discuss with their children. The ideas are sorted into a selection of charitable arenas:Provide ComfortHeal the EarthCare for AnimalsFight PovertyAdvocate: Peace, Justice + Social ActionDonate: Charitable Giving + Fun FundraisersAdopt Holiday TraditionsShare Quick Acts of KindnessWithin each of these arenas are multiple projects. One of the great offerings of the project list is at a glance, one can discern the cost involved which are rated free, low. medium, and high. Click on a link and get details and lots of resource info. I was very impressed by the depth of the offerings and as a super busy mom, it really makes encouraging volunteerism EASY!So here is the first project we chose:Create a Giving Box

Create your own Giving Box to collect your family’s charitable donations. When it’s full, decide together where the money will go.

Ages: 2+

Cost: Free

Possible recipients

Any cause or organization that is meaningful to your family.

What you’ll need

• Container (coffee can, shoebox, jar) with an opening at the top
• Decorating supplies

So I'm starting a new series to follow our progress as we grow our hearts and our lives to include the needs of others. Please check back and I'll let you know how things are going. Also, if you have young ones, I really hope that you will check Big Hearted Families for yourselves. Imagine the good we can do if we all find ways, big and small to make the world a little better and the future a little brighter.