Charity Begins at Home
As Christians, we are called to see the face of Christ in every person we encounter—especially those who are poor, lonely, or in need. Charity isn’t only about organized service projects or scheduled volunteer days; it’s about cultivating a heart that is attentive, generous, and ready to act whenever a need arises.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to think that charity is something “extra”—something we do when we have time or when our church or parish puts on an event or drive. But living with a spirit of charity means letting compassion guide our daily choices, and teaching our children to do the same through our example. When we allow the needs of others to become part of our family’s awareness, we begin to see countless small ways to give and serve.
Teaching this mindset to our children starts right at home. It could look like going through the pantry together and gathering food for a local shelter, donating diapers to moms in need, or hosting a simple garage sale and donating the proceeds to a local charity. Even less formally, it might mean shoveling an elderly neighbor’s driveway, writing a note to someone who’s lonely, or inviting another family over for dinner. Each of these small gestures forms the heart of a charitable home—a place where love is not just a feeling, but an action.
Of course, community service projects and parish initiatives are wonderful opportunities to unite with others in doing good. But it’s equally important to remind our families that we don’t have to wait for an invitation to love our neighbor. True charity begins with encountering everyone we meet with openness and generosity, and fulfilling the needs we see around us to the best of our abilities.
As you enter this season of gratitude and giving, take a moment to ask: Where is God calling our family to love more deeply right here, right now? The answer might be closer than you think.
Read about the benefits of volunteering with your children.
Creating Care Bags for the Homeless
Often, when we encounter homeless people in our communities, we don't know how to respond. It can be difficult to meet the needs of people we don't know in a helpful way, especially when we have our children with us. This activity is simple, safe, and can be done with the help of the whole family!
Gather your children around the table and fill small bags with a few essential items: a water bottle, a granola bar, socks, tissues, and perhaps a small prayer card or handwritten note of encouragement. These simple items can bring comfort and dignity to someone in need.
Keep a few of these bags in your car so your family can share them when you encounter someone asking for help. It’s a tangible way to teach your children to see and respond to the needs around them with not only compassion, but action as well.
After you hand out a bag, say a prayer for that person as a family. Learning how to acknowledge the dignity of the person, as well as both their spiritual and physical needs, is an essential skill for all of us to know, and to pass on to our children.
For more ideas to get involved in your community as a family, check out this article.
