Betsy Nelson
The Daily Record
October 7, 2005
I am often asked why some people are more generous than others. My initial thought is that like many other behaviors, generosity is taught and parents are the primary teachers.
My children will tell you that I like to refer to "teachable moments" that can be of use to each of us. Considering recent natural disasters, I believe that we are in the midst of a teachable moment right now.
Comprehending disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is difficult for adults but even tougher for children. Just as adults do, kids want to make things better for others but often feel a real loss as to how they can put their good will into action.
Listening to their concerns and focusing on possible activities allows children to confront their fears while teaching them the importance of helping others — one "teachable moment" that can last a lifetime.
Starting with an age-sensitive discussion of the current situation, parents can then assist their children in determining how they want to help. Many of the actions that adults have taken to respond to these disasters are actually appropriate for children, too.
Kids can make a real contribution through online giving, collecting donations, gathering material goods, and volunteering.
During a disaster, contributions of cash are often the most needed donations. Monetary contributions allow professional relief organizations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed by disaster victims and to pay for the transportation necessary to distribute the supplies.
Families can quickly and safely give to a number of disaster relief organizations that are receiving online donations. Today's children are computer savvy; browsing through Web sites is a good way to educate them on how organizations respond to disasters and what a difference their dollars can truly make.
Network for Good, www.networkforgood.org, provides an easy way to donate online to all the major relief groups speeding aid to Hurricane Katrina victims. And, since part of giving is doing the due diligence to make sure the money is given to a worthy organization, visit the Better Business Bureau site, www.give.org, to see a list of wise giving tips.
Another way for children to actively contribute is to participate with others in collecting money to donate. Spare-change coin jars in schools and at homes are easy, fun ways for enterprising kids to give back. And kids can give that back locally.
The American Red Cross reports that donations have the greatest impact when they are given to organizations within your own community. Donating locally eliminates transportation costs and ensures disaster workers are not overwhelmed with sorting unsolicited donations and are free to perform priority relief activities.
Children may want to contribute their gently used toys and books to children who have lost all their belongings and are living in local shelters. The United Way of Central Maryland is coordinating the "Hurricane Katrina Displaced Americans Central Maryland Response Group" for Katrina victims who are relocated in our region. Contact www.uwcm.org for information on items needed in our region.
For additional ways children can help with relief efforts, for more "teachable moments" ideas, and up-to-date information about local and national philanthropic responses to the hurricanes, visit the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers Web site, www.abagmd.org.
Betsy Nelson, the executive director of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, writes this column, Charitable Giving, every other week for The Daily Record. The opinions expressed are her own. She can be reached at 410-727-1205 or by e-mail.
