Frugal Family: Paying It Forward

In last weeks’ column, I discussed ways of teaching children to be financially literate.  Many of the ideas I shared were from Raising Financially Fit Kids by Joline Godfrey.  Not surprisingly, the money skills covered in the book include saving, spending wisely, investing, living within one’s means, entrepreneurship, getting paid fairly, and handling credit.  In addition, charitable giving is a focus.

Godfrey devotes a whole chapter to “Raising Young Philanthropists.” She explains, “I return over and over to the idea that raising a financially fit kid is not just about teaching the skills to build and shepherd assets.  At the heart of the exercise is the hope that children will grow up to be aware of and empathic toward people and events outside themselves—which includes being connected to a deeper purpose for their own lives than mere accumulation and consumption.”

Contributing money to worthy causes is a noble goal. Involving kids in researching non-profit organizations and appropriating funds are good ways for them to participate.  Not long ago, my husband and I charged our three kids with the task of choosing recipients of a sum of money we earmarked for donation.  Instead of giving each child  responsibility for a third of the money (which we thought would invite picking charities at random and without much thought), we told the kids they had to come to consensus. Listening to the older two pitch cancer research and hunger relief efforts to their younger brother while he lobbied for animal charities gave my husband and me valuable insight into our kids’ priorities. In the end, three charities made the cut, with varying amounts assigned to each. Additionally, the kids decided to give some of the money to our pastor so that he could help the next person who called our church in need of help.

There is a limit, of course, to how much financial assistance one family can offer to charities. But that doesn’t mean that the giving has to stop there.

For those of us who are members of a religious community, there are many opportunities to embrace charitable missions.  By contributing time, energy, or joining established fundraising efforts, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need assistance. My kids have cooked and served food at the Boston Rescue Mission, volunteered at the Fernald Center, and visited homebound elderly through our church.  Our whole family has donated “sweat equity” to various efforts.

Scouting is another built-in link to these opportunities. My son, a Boy Scout, has raked the yards of disabled folks, carried Christmas trees to cars at the Lions Club sale and worked on Eagle projects designed by older troop members.  Through Girl Scouts, my daughters have given back to the community as well. Sending cookies overseas, redecorating a room for two autistic roommates in a group home, collecting needed items for animal charities, and making blankets for Project Linus are examples.

It is not hard to locate charities in need of funding. They’re pretty much everywhere.  But local opportunities to “pay it forward” in other ways, though plentiful, may not be as obvious.  Here are some ideas:

Donate Items to Local Schools

Every elementary school in town collects items to support the efforts of its PTSO. (We should all be saving Boxtops for Education, ink cartridges and cell phones.) There is a paper bin in the Parker Damon parking lot for depositing newspapers.  Many of the school nurses accept donated clothing to give to students who need to change during the day. Teachers may welcome books for their classroom libraries. Old t-shirts make great smocks for local pre-school artists.

The junior high and high school have “drives “ throughout  the school year; it’s worth it to get on their email lists to be apprised of such events.  The junior high has collected coats and toys; the high school’s Youth in Philanthropy group has collected pots and pans for the Household Goods Recycling Ministry.

Volunteer Time to Youth Sports

Acton has a number of youth sports programs. Most accept all children, regardless of skill level, and place them on appropriate teams.  Community Ed's basketball program, Acton Boxborough Youth Soccer, Acton Boxborough Youth Baseball and Acton Boxborough Youth Softball all utilize volunteer coaches, most of whom are parents. Not up for coaching? These organizations need board members, registrars, uniform coordinators, publicity writers, and people to take care of the fields as well.

Donate Blood/ Join the Bone Marrow Registry

The Red Cross holds blood drives in Acton on a regular basis. The next one will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Church (89 Arlington Street) on April 28, 2011, from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Upcoming dates are May 1, May 19 and May 26, 2011. Call 1-800-REDCROSS for more information.

Adding oneself to the Be The Match bone marrow registry is simpler than ever. Blood samples are not required; a simple cheek swab is all that’s needed. Information on this valuable, potentially life-saving service is available on the website.  The next local drive will be held in Cambridge on April 22, 2011, but a kit is available by mail as well.

Collect Items for Local Charities

Household Goods Recycling Ministry , 530 Main Street, Acton, collects furniture and housewares to pass on to those in need.  Volunteers are on site every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. (Consult the website for lists of acceptable items.)

The Acton Food Pantry, 235 Summer Road, Boxborough, has bins conveniently located around town at Donelan’s and Roche Bros. supermarkets and the Main Street Post Office.  (Check the website for a list of most-needed items and information on donating clothing.)

Buddy Dog, Humane Society , 151 Post Road, Sudbury is an animal shelter that houses dogs and cats that are waiting to be adopted.  The shelter accepts donations of collars, toys, food, treats, blankets and towels for the pets as well as office and cleaning supplies for the staff.

Shop and Dine Strategically

Many non-profits hold fundraisers at local retail establishments. The store owners agree to donate a percentage of the day’s receipts to the organization. Restaurants such as Not Your Average Joe’s and Papa Gino’s offer similar programs.  These events are usually publicized, so look for ways to plan your purchases to coincide with them.

Project Graduation will be the benefactor of two upcoming shopping days. CambridgeWear will make a donation for each purchase made on April 28, 2011. Roche Bros. will donate a percentage of sales, including gift cards for future grocery runs, made between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2011.

Not all of these suggestions apply to kids. They can’t give blood or coach a team. Role model these efforts, though, and your kids will be more likely to consider them as adults. Involve them in age-appropriate philanthropic endeavors now, and achieve Joline Godfrey’s goal for them:

Encouraging philanthropic engagement early on can play a critical role in helping kids develop strong values and a sense of purpose and meaning.  Kids who feel they are making a difference, that they are part of something greater than themselves, will become more grounded, self-confident adults.