7 Kid-Friendly Acts Of Good That Make A World Of Difference

Involving my kids in simple acts of kindness is one of my favorite activities to do throughout the year. We’ve done little things like buying coffee gift cards and handing them to people who look like they could use a pick-me-up, or grabbing a bouquet of roses at the grocery store and handing out single flowers to any neighbors we see on our walk through the neighborhood.

Even though we like to give all year round, the holiday season is a great excuse to focus on giving in every sense of the word. As we search for the perfect presents for our friends and family, it’s key to also find ways to give to those who might be in need of a little support, even if it’s from a stranger.

In the spirit of celebrating the magic of all types of giving, Romper teamed up with P&G to round up some kid-friendly acts of good to get your whole family in that selfless spirit this season. As part of its commitment to Lead with Love, P&G works together with communities, organizations, and consumers to create a world of good — and the best news is that they make it easy for you to help, too!

Visit P&G Good Everyday to sign up for their charitable rewards program that benefits both you and those in need. Earn points and rewards for yourself plus donations to your chosen cause by taking surveys and scanning your receipts from P&G purchases.

And in the meantime, read on to get inspired by some simple acts of good that family members of all ages can take part in.

1. Surprise Neighbors By Shoveling Snow

Snow shoveling can be difficult and even dangerous for older folks and those with health conditions. Clearing an extra driveway only takes a little bit of extra time but it can make a huge impact on people who struggle to complete the task. And even if your neighbor is capable of shoveling snow, they’ll still get a little boost when they look out their window and see your fam lightening their load.

Bonus: Shoveling snow is also a fantastic (and fun) way to help kids expend that pent-up wintertime energy!

2. Donate Necessities To Those In Need

Follow the lead of Pastor Rudy, founder of Houston nonprofit Bread of Life, and make kits tailored to the unique needs of people in your community. Collect or buy items like non-perishable food, toiletries, socks, and diapers to gift to shelters, food banks, or local senior centers (pro tip: many organizations have a list of high-need items right on their website). In addition to basic necessities, you can also include some treats to brighten spirits; get your kids involved by letting them pick out their favorite snacks, stickers, and stuffed animals to take the care packages to the next level.

And while you shop, don’t forget to make your act of good go the extra mile by scanning receipts from P&G products on the P&G Good Everyday website to unlock a donation to your chosen cause.

3. Help Stock Up Your Local Animal Shelter

Our four-legged friends can use acts of kindness, too! Animal shelters are always in need of supplies like blankets, towels, food, treats, and toys. Different shelters have different policies, such as whether or not they accept open bags of food, so make sure to call ahead and inquire about what they need the most. And while you’re there, ask if you can take pictures of the pets that are available for adoption, or ask if they have a website you can share on social media.

My family adopted our beloved cat after a friend posted her photo on social media saying that she was looking for a forever home through a rescue agency, so you never know what might come from spreading the word!

4. Do A Toy & Clothing Purge

Grab some bags and have your kid round up the toys and clothes they no longer use. Toys that are still in good condition can be donated to organizations that will distribute them to kids in need, or to non-profit secondhand shops that will sell them and use the profits to fund their outreach efforts.

Another option is to donate clothing directly to Tide Dry Cleaners and support Tide Loads of Hope’s ongoing efforts to provide clean clothing to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access during times of crisis.

5. Give The Gift Of A Good Book

Do you have gently used books you or your children have finished reading? Take them to local schools or daycare centers to be added to classroom libraries. As a former daycare teacher, I can assure you that very few things are as exciting to a room full of toddlers than new (to them!) books. You can also ask if they have a wish list with a local bookstore that you can help fulfill.

And don’t stop there! When it comes time for your own kid’s school book fair, you can always coordinate with their teacher and send in some extra money so no child has to miss out on the magic of reading, no matter their circumstance.

6. Make Period Packages

When we think of donations, period products don’t always spring to mind, but almost one in five girls in the U.S. have either left school early or missed school altogether because they didn’t have access to period products. Always’ #EndPeriodPoverty program saw the need and has provided over 200 million pads and period products worldwide in the past 10 years.

You can support these efforts by stocking up on period supplies whenever you see it on sale to donate to local schools and shelters, then scanning your receipt via the P&G Good Everyday program to prompt an immediate donation to #EndPeriodPoverty.

7. Simply Spread Some Kindness

Don’t forget: Doing good doesn’t have to involve buying anything. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to lift the spirits of those around you, don’t fret. Kind gestures can go a long way when it comes to putting good energy out into the world. Teach your kids to do things like hold open doors for people with their hands full, pay meaningful compliments to friends who seem down on their luck, and write thank-you notes to leave on doorsteps of houses where they especially enjoy the holiday decorations.

There are plenty of ways to put kindness out into the world that don’t cost a penny, but still make a wealth of difference.