Holiday Countdown Fun - December 4
Today at church, it is what we call 'White Gift Sunday'. ( I searched and couldn't find an internet based definition that I liked, sorry)
Each child (and adults can play too) are to bring one gift - a brand new toy of sorts preferred that will be passed along to the less fortunate children. I *think* the term 'white gift' is from way back when they were asked to wrap their gifts in white paper. Nowadays, we are asked to simply use a white bag and not to wrap them, cause the gift distributors will only have to open them, determine the relevence to whom will be the recipient, then re-wrap them.
I like to use opportunities like these as a field trip to try to teach my boys how important it is to help others without helping yourselves. We go to the store, I let them chose whatever they want to give another child (within budgetary limits of course), and we buy them and go home. This trip involves no other tasks or shopping. They need to know it is only for someone else and not them, us, or even another family member. This is for another child who "Does not have any toys when we have plenty."
I encourage you to follow suit today, and if you can't get out to go shopping, ask your child to find within his/her belongings one toy/book/stuffed animal that they are willing to part with so another child can have something. I can't direct you specifically where to deliver them, but always a church, and I am sure many malls, grocery stores have some sort of receptacle/drop box available.
Our budget was $10 per person (the three of us). We came home with 2 FP Rescue Heroes and 1 set of twin dolls with accessories.
Each child (and adults can play too) are to bring one gift - a brand new toy of sorts preferred that will be passed along to the less fortunate children. I *think* the term 'white gift' is from way back when they were asked to wrap their gifts in white paper. Nowadays, we are asked to simply use a white bag and not to wrap them, cause the gift distributors will only have to open them, determine the relevence to whom will be the recipient, then re-wrap them.
I like to use opportunities like these as a field trip to try to teach my boys how important it is to help others without helping yourselves. We go to the store, I let them chose whatever they want to give another child (within budgetary limits of course), and we buy them and go home. This trip involves no other tasks or shopping. They need to know it is only for someone else and not them, us, or even another family member. This is for another child who "Does not have any toys when we have plenty."
I encourage you to follow suit today, and if you can't get out to go shopping, ask your child to find within his/her belongings one toy/book/stuffed animal that they are willing to part with so another child can have something. I can't direct you specifically where to deliver them, but always a church, and I am sure many malls, grocery stores have some sort of receptacle/drop box available.
Our budget was $10 per person (the three of us). We came home with 2 FP Rescue Heroes and 1 set of twin dolls with accessories.
posted by nancy at 8:32 AM
4 Comments:
Great Nancy!
We've done that but not lately...but you and the boys have inspired me to do it again.
Maybe it will teach Nathan that some people have less than him.
Hugs
I had forgotten all about that..we did it as kids at church as well.
Thanks for the little stroll down memory lane!
Barb
Great Idea Nancy. We usually sponsor a family every year, but are choosing to sponsor within this year. I will be teaching "J" all about this in the years to come.
Thanks,
Anna
At our church, there are wish list tags from underprivileged area kids. You pick a tag $50 limit, and buy what you can off the list. We do this a couple of times a year. Our kids really love doing this.
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