I want to tell you a story this week. Luckily, I can share this from the comfort of my keyboard because every time I have tried to share this story with family or friends, I have cried. We wonder as parents if we are doing a good job. If our children are kind, loving, and respectful. If they remember their manners when we aren’t around to nudge them in the right direction. We worry that the focus might be on the wrong things during the holidays—with that ever-growing Santa wish list. Parenting seems to come with more worries than we can acknowledge. Then there are those moments that show us we are in fact raising kind humans. The story I am about to share with you is about a little boy, my little boy, and unlike the Grinch—his heart is NOT three sizes too small…

We like to give back when we can. We donate to different causes that we feel passionate about throughout the year. During the holiday season, I always donate money to help with holiday meals to the Salvation Army. This year, I received my meal pledge card, but there was another envelope that came on the same day. This was a letter from Camp Quality. For those of you who might not be familiar with the foundation, it is a camp designed for children with cancer to visit one week out of the summer and for that one very special week, they get to be exactly what they should be, kids. Not sick kids, just kids. They provide year-round programs, experiences, and companionship at no cost to the families. This time together fills them with hope. We happen to have a close family friend that runs Camp Quality-Ozarks. As a two-time cancer survivor herself, I can’t think of a better person to inspire those beautiful kiddos. The letter we received had a photo of one of the children who attended the camp this year. His name is Jax. He has also battled cancer twice in his young life. Fortunately for Jax he is in remission. One of the photos had him ringing the bell that brought an end to his treatment journey. I know that not all kids that attend Camp Quality are as fortunate as this sweet boy, but you can’t help but feel pulled to donate when you think of everything these little ones must endure. If my donation helps one child enjoy a stress-free week full of joy, bonding, love, and laughter, then sign me up again and again.

My son noticed the photos on the letter as I was writing the check and started asking questions. I explained in simple terms that the camp is for kids that are really sick. He was inquisitive and thoughtful as he examined the pictures of Jax. I told him why were sending money and he seemed to think it was a great idea. Once I was done getting the checks and envelopes together, I gathered the papers and walked towards the recycle bin. He stopped me and asked if he could keep the letter with Jax on it. I handed it to him and asked him why he wanted to keep it. He looked at me with such a deep sincerity, especially for a five-year-old, and said he wanted to keep it in his room so he could pray for Jax, so he won’t be sick anymore. (This is when I melt into a puddle of tears).

Sometimes our children can frustrate or overwhelm us during the holiday hustle and bustle, but most of the time they can surprise us with their big hearts. During this busy season when we are bombarded with more things to purchase and even more experiences that we “need” to visit, what if we all took a step back and thought about how we could give instead? You can donate your time if donating monetarily isn’t feasible this year, but I promise the gift of giving, especially as a family, is more rewarding than any addition to your playroom or closet.

Here are a few ideas to get you into the giving spirit:

·       Ask the kids about a charity they would like to donate to. You can explain what a charity is.

·       Adopt a family and explain why you are purchasing gifts for a child, then let them help you pick things out.

·       Go through your toys and books. If you have any gently used items, take them to a donation center such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Savers. If your little ones can help pick things out, you can explain how these items are going to be loved by another child and it’s a way to spread joy this season.

·       One of our favorite things to do as a family every year is putting together “homeless packs” with essential items (non-perishable food items, water, gloves, socks, toothbrush & toothpaste etc.) that you can hand out to people in need. When the kids get to help put the packs together, it gives you the opportunity to discuss why you do it and how it helps. Read this previous post with more details about how to put these packs together.

·       There are toys and books drives around your communities that you can contribute to as well. …you know I’m a sucker for any book drive or book donation.

Lastly, here is a reminder for the buy a book, give a book program through my website. For every hardcover book sold, a paperback will be donated to a local child. Thus far in 2024 I have been able to donate 145 paperback books. That is amazing and I sincerely appreciate your contribution—and so do the local little readers that have received a brand new book!

What are some fun ways to incorporate more giving into your holiday season? Let me know in the comments. Have a wonderful weekend and as always, happy reading.

If you feel like donating to Camp Quality, here is a link to contribute to such an amazing organization.