When I was young, we got presents for Christmas and our birthdays, plus a new outfit for Easter. My parents didn’t buy us toys or gifts throughout the year, so it was a big deal when those special occasions rolled around.
Today, however, as much as I try not to, I often find myself buying my kids little things because “they’ll just love this so much, I have to get it for them!”. Not only does this create a culture of consumerism at an extremely young age, it also devalues those special occasions.
So this year as my son Jack’s fifth birthday approached, I asked him if he would be okay with asking for donations to Alma instead of gifts. Surprisingly, he didn’t hesitate at all. I was filled with relief and gratitude. Although I don’t think he quite understands the reality of what the life of a child in Peru is like, he understood that they don’t have all the things he does and that they need our help more than he “needs” presents.
He and his friends had a fantastic time at his “How to Train Your Dragon” themed party and he raised over $200 for Alma’s Homework Clubs!
by Meagan Ross, Executive Director
