Earlier this month children of Union Baptist Academy conduced a food drive to collect non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry at Parkview Baptist Church.

Their enthusiasm to help the community was such that they were able to collect over 2,000 food items in just four weeks.

Its encouraging to see how children so young are instilled with compassion, having been taught the importance of volunteering.

We cannot take away the credit from the parents of these children, who were instrumental in raising young people with a drive to give back.

It is my hope that the children who have not found their calling to help the community will have the proper support and encouragement.

Therefore, it’s important for adults to recognize their child’s individual strengths and guide them towards the direction of being mindful of those around them.

For instance if a child enjoys the company of pets, animal shelters are always in need of caring volunteers to cater to the needs of homeless pets.

Another practice would be to encourage children to volunteer during their vacation breaks.

Lazy summer weekends can be great opportunities for children to try their hand at volunteering.

We could also entice children to donate a small portion of their allowance to the needy.

Not only will they learn how to be compassionate, but it would also teach them a little about saving and spending wisely as well.

In a nutshell, try and encourage the habit of giving amongst children.

Someday they’ll be grateful.