Time to share

 
My 2nd grader gets an allowance of $4 per week, $1 of which goes into a 'share' bank. Now that we've come to the end of the year we've been talking about what organization she wants to donate her 'share' to. Thanks to our school's wonderful Service Club, my kids have had a lot of exposure to the many needs of people in our community: food, clothing, books and basic everyday household items. This spirit of service and helping others gets talked about a lot this time of year, and it's a natural time to give. She's decided to give her money to the Oregon Food Bank, which is where you'll find our Service Club in January, sorting and packing food.

In Portland, both the Oregonian and Willamette Week newspapers have made it easy to donate to non-profit organizations with their respective giving guides. In addition, in-kind donations of warm coats, blankets and other winter clothing are always in need by so many non-profits. This weekend, take a peek into your closets (and your bank account) and see if there isn't something you can give to the folks in your community. Engage your children, make it a tradition, and instill that wonderful feeling that comes from sharing.