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Teaching Kids that Small Acts can have a HUGE Impact

 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for The Salvation Army. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

How many times did you drop coins into a Red Kettle this holiday season?  

It’s one of the things my kids look forward to when we visit the grocery store in December.  

Clink, clink, clink, clink!

It’s not just because the amazing volunteers who ring bells are so fun – they ALWAYS say ‘Merry Christmas’ even if we don’t have any change for the kettle, they ALWAYS smile at the kids and many of them love to ‘dress the part’ while ringing.

The kids know that the money we drop into the kettle each year will be used to help others having a happier holiday. 

And they know that THEY are making a difference in the lives of others.

It’s important to have conversations with kids about being both grateful for what we have and offering help when help is needed.

That’s what the Salvation Army does – they provide help when help is needed.

And it’s a value I work to instill in my children – step up and help others when you see a need.

The Salvation Army has nearly 7,600 centers of operation covering nearly every zip code in the country.  In 2013, they served more than 58 million meals to the needy and provided nearly 10 million nights of shelter.  They also suppored 203,000 underprivileged children attend day care and summer day camps.

All those small coins make a HUGE impact in the lives of many people.

Clink, clink, clink, clink!

I believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays.  That’s my #RedKettleReason for donating.

A few years ago, we volunteered to ring bells at one of our Red Kettles.  

Picture this – five 6 year old girls standing outside for two hours on a day that was 14 degrees outside.  Yes, the kettle we manned was outside.

It was cold and windy – and the kids never batted an eye!  They wore jingle bells, funny hats and took turns saying  ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’.  

And they were so proud that they raised money for others that holiday season!

Showing kids that they can make a difference with just a small act of generosity will make a lasting impact on how to interact with the world.

 

If you missed donating to a Red Kettle this year, there’s still time! 

To donate or learn more, please visit SalvationArmyUSA.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or contact your local Salvation Army office.

Remember, together we can do great things!

 

 Do you have a #RedKettle story to share?  I’d love to hear it!