February 25, 2017

Quote of the Week

"Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out." - Frank A. Clark

One Boy's Generosity

Nine-year-old Oliver, who is blind and suffers from Batten's disease,  finds a purpose to his life by spearheading a viral effort to deliver toys to less fortunate children. A shopping trip to Omaha with his mother and conversations about a bell ringer at a Salvation Army Kettle gave his curious mind enough food for thought about donations and helping others long after the conversation ended.

Ollie and cousin Laycee Josoff, who was also 9, set up outside the Vine Street Market with a stuffed Santa and hot cocoa, and asked for donations to the sounds of Christmas music. Not only did they manage to get (generous) funds for toys, but also won many hearts across the town of Yutan.

This true story is such an inspiration to see how an idea and an intention that sparked from the core of the heart, managed to create a community of love warriors and spread a wave of kindness across town! [Read More]
 

Reading Corner

Title: An Orange for Frankie
By: Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6-9

Set around Christmas time during the Great Depression. Polacco introduces the Stowell family, a brood of nine living on a farm just outside of Detroit. Though they don't have a lot, the family never hesitates to share its good fortune, often feeding hungry migratory workers as they pass through the nearby train station. Frankie, the youngest son, even gives one of them his favorite sweater. When Frankie loses the precious Christmas orange given to each child, he tells his mother about his error and also fesses up about his missing sweater. His family is so moved by his charitable gesture, they make sure Frankie has the most special gift of all. - Amazon Reviewer

Be the Change

This week's theme brings to mind a beautiful anti-greed song 'I Have Enough' by a Buddhist Monk Rev. Heng Sure. While you enjoy this beautiful music with your kids, why not try out one or more of these ideas to kick start an 'old way of giving' with your family.