The Power of Giving Back: Small Change – Big Difference

For many Kansas City families, teaching their children the importance of giving back to others is a key value they want to pass on. This summer, your family can serve our community through The Small Change – Big Difference campaign for Children's Mercy Hospital.

Children’s Mercy has a history of generous community support that began more than a century ago when the hospital’s founding sisters, Dr. Katharine Berry Richardson and Dr. Alice Berry Graham, wrote a list of needs on a chalkboard in front of the hospital. Neighbors and businesses donated everything from blankets to apples, making a big difference in advancing the sisters’ mission — to improve the health and well-being of all children. Even now, in 2016, the hospital's need for community support is still there and everyone can help.

The Small Change – Big Difference campaign features a simple way to give back: a piggy bank. For $35 online (or $30 at special events), you can purchase a piggy bank to take home, fill up and start a new family giving tradition. Your small change can make a big difference for kids in Kansas City.

Here are some great tips to help your children get excited about giving back with The Small Change – Big Difference campaign:

• Spark a conversation. It is never too early to talk about giving back. Spark a conversation about helping others when you are in the car, at dinner or during the bedtime routine. 
• Start a budget. You can help them divide their piggy bank treasure into three categories: something for them, something for others, and something to save for the future. This allows them to have a little fun while learning about the power of giving back. 
• Help them earn money. Offer allowance for chores around the house. See if they can earn money helping neighbors with gardening, cleaning, and chores. Start a lemonade stand or have a garage sale. Sell crafts online. Look for ways they can contribute. One summer, our family helped raise money to train a special needs dog for a friend by selling box lunches at dad's office. When children are involved in earning the money they contribute, it means even more to them.

Visit the campaign website, where you can purchase a piggy bank for $35. Set the bank in a prominent place (i.e. table centerpiece or night stand), decorate it, start filling it, and start a new family giving tradition today.

Watch for updates about locations to drop off change this summer. But don’t worry – the piggy bank is yours to keep forever!

Do you have ideas to help encourage kids to give? Comment below on social media using #smallchange.

Be sure to follow the campaign website for information about upcoming events at Deanna Rose Farmstead where Children’s Mercy will be on-site to share the The Small Change – Big Difference campaign fun:

Mark your calendar for these events:

• Saturday, June 25: Fishing Tournament at Deanna Rose Farmstead
• Saturday, July 30: Chicken Run at Deanna Rose Farmstead
• Saturday, August 13: Safety Day at Deanna Rose Farmstead

Visit childrensmercy.org/moms for more helpful content and follow Children’s Mercy on Facebook and Twitter for more everyday parenting tips.