Director’s Corner
The Gift of Giving: Inspiring Generosity During the Holidays and Beyond
By: Katie Becker
The holiday season often reminds us of the joy that comes from giving—whether it’s sharing a meal, gifting a toy, or simply offering time to someone in need. As parents, we have the privilege of teaching our children the values of generosity and community support, shaping a future generation of kind-hearted individuals.
At Parenting Matters, we’ve seen how acts of kindness ripple through families and communities, especially during the holidays. Our Holiday Gift Program provides an opportunity to bring joy to families who might otherwise struggle to make the season bright. This year, we’re thrilled to share that all our families in need have been adopted for the holidays—a testament to the incredible generosity of our supporters.
But the spirit of giving doesn’t have to stop when the decorations come down.
A Personal Memory of Giving
When I was growing up, I’ll never forget the Christmas my Girl Scout troop volunteered at a homeless shelter in Erie, PA. We spent the day at Community Shelter Services, where a large gymnasium was filled with cots and tables. Kids were running around, happy to play games with us and enjoy a warm meal. But I’ll never forget the realization that hit me: this wasn’t an after-school program or a community event, this gymnasium was where they lived.
Even as a child, I understood the contrast between their reality and the warmth of a decorated tree and a cozy living room waiting for me at home. That
experience planted a seed in my heart about the power of giving.
Inspiring Your Family to Give
Parents play a key role in nurturing empathy and generosity in their children. Here are some simple ideas for inspiring philanthropy in your family during this holiday season and throughout the year:
- Lead by Example: Participate in donation drives or volunteer together as a family. Kids learn best by watching you.
- Discuss Needs in the Community: Age-appropriate conversations about food insecurity, homelessness, or other challenges can open kids’ eyes to the importance of helping others.
- Encourage Kids to Give: Let them pick out a toy to donate or bake cookies for a neighbor. Giving feels personal when children are involved.
- Make Giving a Habit: Build a “giving jar” where kids can save spare change for donations.
- Celebrate Service Year-Round: Volunteer together outside the holiday season. Participate in summer food or back-to-school drives.
A Community of Kindness
Organizations like ours, and many others, offer programs to support families in need, not just during the holidays but year-round. By engaging with these programs, you’re not only making a difference but also teaching your children that giving isn’t confined to a single season—it’s a mindset.
While we’re so fortunate that all our families have been adopted for the holidays, we invite you to support Parenting Matters year-round. Your generosity helps us provide parenting education, home visiting programs, and workshops that strengthen families and build brighter futures. Click https://parentingmattersfl.org/donate/ to make a donation today.
The holidays are a time to reflect on what is most important and extend our hearts and hands to others. By inspiring our children to embrace kindness and generosity, we’re creating a legacy of compassion that will outlast any holiday season.
This year, let’s make giving a family tradition that grows in every season.