In this day and age of COVID, wearing masks and physical distancing, can we make the world a better place for children?
According to Kris McPhail, Curriculum Specialist for Ebenezer Child Care Centers’ downtown location, “There are many simple ways we can make a positive difference in our world and teach our children to do the same.”
Here are some ideas…
Donate to Those Less Fortunate
We all have items in our household that we no longer need such as adult and child clothing and gently used children’s books. “When you find yourself cleaning out your closets, be sure to donate the items you no longer need to those less fortunate.”
Where can you donate children’s books? Check close to home first. Little Free Libraries http://littlefreelibrary.org began as a small idea in a small town in Wisconsin, and now they are everywhere. Go online to find one located near you. Local libraries usually accept gently used books. You might need to call and check for their COVID restrictions. The Bottomless Closet http://communityadvocates.net/women/we_do/bottomless_closet/ accepts and distributes gently used business attire to those trying to enter the workforce. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin http://www.goodwillsew.com/ accepts clothing and household items. And Hunger Task Force https://www.hungertaskforce.org/ accepts donations of cash and food which are given to area foodbanks and impoverished families. “All of these organizations are doing wonderful things to help those in need and will gladly accept your donations,” said McPhail.
Volunteer
While there are many organizations in our community looking for help, how this works has changed due to COVID. You can go to https://www.volunteermatch.org and look for local organizations that need volunteers.
Go Green
April 22nd is Earth Day, and it is a great time to remember that being environmentally conscientious will help make the world a better place for our children. Take your own recyclable bags grocery shopping. To conserve water, turn it off while you brush your teeth. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. To conserve fuel, try to drive less by walking or biking more. Grow a garden of vegetables or pollinator flowers to support bees and butterflies. Take care of your neighborhood and local park. When on a walk, take a bag or two along and collect litter, using hand sanitizer when you are done.
Be Kind to Others and Yourself
Never underestimate the positive impact you can have on the world by simply being kind to those around you. A few kind words can make a huge difference in someone’s day, especially during our physical distancing from friends and neighbors. Include yourself! Times have been different, and sometimes we feel like a failure. Instead, be positive and compliment yourself on what you have accomplished. Remember that you are not alone and to be proud of yourself. Help your children see the good in themselves and others. With love and kindness, the world will be a better place to live.
Make A Difference
Find a problem you are passionate about and fix it! Look around, many youth today are truly making a difference in their communities. Whether they are collecting food for the hungry, helping on a Go Fund Me page, or shoveling the neighbor’s walk, they see something that needs to change, and they take action. Help your children find a need and fill it, together, and you are making the world a better place.
Remember, to quote Amanda Gorman, “For there was always light…if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” Help your children be the light.
Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other childcare providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.
Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers free parenting resources and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.
The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek and in West Allis/Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1138 S. 108th Street. For more information, please call 414-643-5070
