Here is a last minute idea to a special Christmas service project, and one your kids can be fully involved in. Our idea this year is to raise funds to donate to the Hands and Feet Orphanage in Haiti. This Fall the orphanage was robbed. You can learn more at their website: handsandfeetproject.org (specifically this page: http://handsandfeetproject.org/uncategorized/jacmel-update/) While the orphanage is restocked and more protection is added, the children are living at other orphanages.
We would like to help Hands and Feet purchase replacement items and also to possibly help with the cost of a wall around the complex. Two ideas are a simple donation and a "Jesus gift" fundraiser.
Allowing children to earn their own money to give as a special gift at Christmas is a great way to inspire them to work, to think of others, and to relate in some part to the sacrificial life of Christ. So, below is a (very incomplete) list of chores that preschoolers can do. I'm sure you many more ideas or more age appropriate things.
- dusting (socks on hands work great)
- emptying dishwasher
- tidying
- tearing lettuce for a salad, peeling carrots, etc
- gathering up crumbs off a table or floor
- cleaning windows (after Momma sprays them)
- feeding pets
- gathering random clothing articles around house (common in this home) and putting in the laundry basket
- tidying shoe racks or shelves
- wiping counters
- and more! (Ask moms who have been there, done that)
To make it more personal for your kids, you can visit the Hands and Feet website to view kids' profiles and see pictures of the orphanage.
Because we are a little short on time (and on MOPS meetings), any money you would like to donate, or that your kids earn and would like to donate, can be sent or brought to my house in Peshastin. There is no minimum amount. If Junior earns 3 quarters, they can be put to good use in Haiti. :-) Check back soon for who to write checks too, and a deadline.
This is very last minute, and we can possible do this again, on a larger scale, another time.
Merry Christmas!
-Anna (548-0308)
