by Kirsten Hines

Created on: July 19, 2010   Last Updated: July 20, 2010

I remember the first birthday my daughter started asking for ridiculous presents, an iPod phone, a new camera and it went on; and was getting to be too much.  Her friends all had these gifts, so she felt it was only her right to own these things also.  At the time my husband and I were struggling financially and I knew she would not be able to get these items she so coveted.  I felt terrible that I was not able to provide for my daughter.

That is when I realized I was being worse than my daughter, I was not only feeling guilty for not being able to give her whatever she wanted, but I was not teaching her that giving back to the community can be more valuable than any possession.  She didn’t realize there are people in this world that cannot afford a roof over their head or food for their children.

That weekend I took her with me to volunteer at the local soup kitchen.  She of course was annoyed at first and had no desire to go.  Once we started helping, she listened to the stories of these strangers, how they were so thankful for the little they were getting, how they had nothing, and this meal was putting a smile on their face.

When we started cleaning up, my daughter was talking to a man volunteering with us whose wife had passed, he was left with a mound of medical bills and a young daughter to take care of.  When he was in need a non-profit organization reached out to him and gave him free childcare for his daughter while he got back on his feet.  He now needed and wanted to give back to the community.

When we left my daughter was very quiet.  We drove home in silence and got out of the car.  My daughter looked at me and came over to give me a big hug “thanks mom, for everything.”  She walked into the house and I knew I had given her a great gift.

Later that week my daughter said she still wanted to have a sleep over for a birthday party and asked if we could put a twist onto the party.  My daughter decided instead of gifts from her friends, she wanted donations made to the shelter.  I was so touched that she learned a wonderful lesson and realized how lucky she truly is. 

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