In the wake of disasters like Hurricane Katrina, children may want to find some way to help. But kids with special needs are less likely to participate in group activities that raise funds, and may have trouble understanding donations that are not tangible and concrete. That makes Coinstar machines, which allow you to donate small change to a big cause, a great way to teach kids that even the smallest contribution is welcomed. Here's how to get your child giving.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: As much as you want to put into it
Here's How:
- Raid the piggybank. If your child has a collection of change in piggybank or box, pour it out and count it up (mini-math lesson opportunity there). If your child balks at giving up all his coins, that's okay; grown-ups don't donate all of their money, either. Ten percent might be a reasonable amount to earmark (another mini-math lesson). Then again, if your child wants to give it all, that's okay, too. Either way, give your child plenty of praise for his generosity.
- Give rewards. Does your child get small rewards for good behavior? Consider giving coins for the cause instead of stickers at least some of the time. Put out a jar in which your child can drop his money for donating. Again, depending on your child's degree of enthusiasm and defensiveness, you may not want to make these the only motivators you use all week, just as you wouldn't plop your entire paycheck in the collection plate. But make a big deal about what your child is willing to give.
- Make giving part of your behavior chart. If your child gets rewards for week-long goals, make coins to contribute part of that payoff. Again, it doesn't have to be the whole thing or the only thing, but it may be something your child will be happy to work toward.
- Seek other sources. Offer to give your child all the change in your pocket or wallet for the cause. Allow him to ask trusted family members or adult friends (with a little advanced warning from you) to do the same.
- Have a mini-garage sale. If your child has any small toys he can part with, offer to buy them in exchange for coins. You can always return them later as a special treat or bribe.
- Recycle. If your community offers a rebate for used cans or bottles, have your child help you gather those items together and return them. If not, offer your child a few coins for every can or bottle he can help you put in a bag.
- Make a matching gift. Tell your child that for every penny he puts in, you'll put in another one. (Yet another mini-math lesson!) Let your child pour all those coins into the Coinstar machine, and feel like a major philanthropist.
Tips:
- Go to the Coinstar site to find a machine near you that accepts donations. On the pull-down menu for "Select a Product," choose "Non-Profit Organizations."
- For Hurricane Katrina relief, you'll want to earmark your donation to the American Red Cross. But there are other causes offered as well -- including, depending on the machine, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and March of Dimes -- that you may want to keep in mind for future philanthropy.
- If your teen is into iTunes and has an allowance or gift-certificate there, you may want to point out that the service is offering a quick way to donate to the Red Cross for Katrina relief. Donations of as little as $5 are solicited. Could your child give up five songs to help a struggling family?
What You Need:
- Plenty of spare change
- A giving spirit
- A Coinstar machine that accepts non-profit donations
