A few months back I had the pleasure of volunteering with my daughter at Colorado Friendship in Longmont. They ask volunteers to come in to pack snacks for children who won't have a guaranteed school meal over the weekend. It was a fun assembly line and I met some terrific people. It was just a few hours of my time but it had a big impact on me. When you're packing a bag and realize that the child who receives it may not have much more than that to eat, it really hits you how fortunate your kids are! My daughter had a great time helping out and although she's probably a bit on the young side to volunteer, I want her to understand that we all can make a difference.
Colorado Friendship does more than their IncrEdibles program. Here's a little more detail on how they serve our community;
Every weekend during the school year, low-income kids take home backpacks full of high-quality, healthy, kid-friendly food through Colorado FriendShip’s IncrEdibles Food Backpack Program. During the week, these children receive breakfast and lunch through school programs, but many go hungry over the weekends. IncrEdibles supplies them with the nourishment they need to thrive.
Our Hot Meals on the Street program brings nutritious meals and clothing to the homeless and the down-and-out. Our volunteers prepare, cook and serve more than 5,000 healthy, nutritious meals a year. Without our help, these people would go hungry.
Our Mobile Food & Clothing distributes high-quality food to disadvantaged families in Boulder County and to victims of natural disasters.
By partnering with many other like-minded organizations, and through donations of food and clothing and the support of hundreds of volunteers, Colorado FriendShip is reducing suffering and saving lives.
We invite you to join us. Make a donation or volunteer today, and help improve the quality of life for many in need throughout our community.
There are many ways to teach your child to give of themselves as well as financially. Here are a few ideas;
1. Ask your child to help you pack gallon sized ziplock bags with snack bars and other non-perishable food items to keep in your car and give to those in need. This is the perfect answer when you want to help, but don't want to give cash. Your child is able to help pack the bag and understand that they've helped someone when they see you hand it out.
2. Go for a walk with gloves and a trash bag and clean up a nearby field or neighborhood.
3. Many businesses and churches choose a family to "adopt" to provide them with a Christmas they most likely wouldn't experience. Have your child be a part of picking the child's name, buying the gift, and putting it in the bin. Talk to your child after and ask if they think the child receiving the gift will enjoy it? How will they use the gift? Questions will get them to picture how another might feel and add to their experience of compassion.
4. Kids can donate some of their own money! It's true! ; 0 Don't ask them to give it all up, but a dollar or even some change will help teach them the practice of giving and help someone in turn.
5. Call an organization like Colorado Friendship and find out how you and your kids can help!
