Giveaway: Save the Children/Amazon Gift Card

This time of year, it's so easy for kids (and adults) to lose sight of what's really important, and to forget how much we have. A great way to help put things in perspective is to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Save the Children invites you to participate in the 12 Days/12 Ways for Kids to Make the World Better challenge, leading up to the Make the World Better with a Sweater holiday fundraising campaign on December 12. 

On December 12, a.k.a. Save the Children’s inaugural Make the World Better with a Sweater Day, spread the holiday joy to help kids around the globe. In the giving spirit of the season: wear your favorite festive sweater, make a $5 donation to Save the Children, and keep spreading the joy. Donate by texting SWEATER to 20222; online at www.SavetheChildren.org; or mailed to Save the Children, 501 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.

Here are twelve ways I help my young children (ages five and seven) make the world better - not just during the holiday season, but all year long.

1. Every time they receive a toy as a gift, they give a toy away, either by giving to a friend with younger kids or by donating to a thrift store or other charity.
2. They donate 10% of their allowance to a charity they pick.
3. They make and sell crafts to raise money for a different charity each year.
4. As they make wish lists, we talk about the difference between wishes and needs.
5. We write cards to soldiers overseas and people in prison.
6. With each holiday, we talk about the deeper (and for us, religious) meaning to the holiday, more than just having fun and getting stuff.
7. My husband and I model gratitude for what we have by being open about ways we've been blessed.
8. We encourage small acts of kindness, like helping the school janitor and always saying thank you.
9. We practice politeness even when situations aren't fun (food that isn't a favorite, gifts that aren't a hit).
10. We collect items for Operation Christmas Child and the food shelf.
11. They make crafts for shut-ins in nursing homes.
12. We always try to leave every place a little nicer than when we arrived. 

To enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon.com gift card, leave a comment by December 12th with your favorite way to make the world better!