My little granddaughters are like many of today’s affluent kids – they have more dolls, toys and books than anyone in my generation. Unfortunately, I’m guilty of contributing to the excess. So, it was no surprise that their mother politely and gently asked me to cut back this year. The girls will still get a few little fun things, but the major gifts from us are going to be a continuation of our new tradition.
Several years ago, my younger daughter gave a donation to Huru in my name. Huru provides sanitary packages for girls in developing countries, so they don’t miss school. This year, our granddaughters will each give a goat, send a woman to farmers’ field school, and vaccinate a child. Last year they gave ducks and chickens. These gifts come with cards and pictures telling what was given in their names.
World Vision, Huru, ELCA, Feed My Starving Children, and many other reputable charities provide gift opportunities to give food, farm animals, books, latrines, clothing, and so much more throughout the world and the U.S. The U.S. is not exempt from need because, according to a new report from UNICEF, we are near the bottom of wealthy nations’ rankings for child poverty.
Locally, our needy are being served through Loaves and Fishes and Hesed House, among others. We are a generous community and a generally generous nation.
With my little ones having so much, it’s important for them to realize the season is not about getting but giving. I’m thankful that my younger daughter discovered Huru and thankful that my older daughter said, “Enough, already.”
As they get older, we will let our grands pick what they want to give. It is important for them to embrace this tradition which we hope will have a lasting impact on their lives.
