Building empathy and joy through service and community
The holidays remind us that the greatest joy often comes from giving. For foster families, this season presents an opportunity to model compassion and demonstrate to children how generosity can bring people together. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, help foster a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved.
Here are a few ways your family can make a difference in your community this season:
- Volunteer together. Serving at local shelters, food drives or holiday events shows children how their actions can bring joy to others. It also teaches empathy and teamwork.
- Support other foster families. Drop off a meal, offer to babysit or send a note of encouragement. These simple gestures build a strong, caring community.
- Donate with intention. Encourage your family to choose gifts for a local toy drive or create care packages for children in foster care. Let kids take part in shopping or wrapping: it makes giving personal.
- Share kindness close to home. Writing thank-you cards to teachers or delivering cookies to neighbors shows children that giving isn’t limited to grand gestures; small acts of kindness matter too.
By giving back as a family, you’re doing more than spreading cheer; you’re helping children experience the deeper meaning of the season: gratitude, compassion, and connection.
