40 Bags for Lent Update

The beginning of the Lenten season, I pledged to gather 40 bags for 40 days and either recycle, reuse, donate or trash them.  So far, we’re on a pretty good pace.

Earlier this week, the kids gathered a fair amount of beloved books from their bookcases, plus we added all the books John Paul’s friends brought to his birthday party.  We journeyed up to Dell Children’s and happily donated an entire cart full of books.  Talk about gratifying.  The volunteers there were so appreciative, but that was nothing compared to the smiles on my kids’ faces.  Reading is one of their favorite pasttimes.  I know how hard it was to part with some of those literary works.

As we walked into the hospital, I heard Anna-Laura tell Clare, “We’re giving these books to kids that don’t have ANY.  They will be so happy.”

Well said, sweet girl.

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community.  Instead of having the birthday child receive gifts from friends, encourage those kids to bring gently used or new books to the birthday child.  Then, donate them to your local children’s hospital, shelter or other equally worthy charity.  Don’t forget to take your child with you and have them be an integral part of the donation.  I say, it’s never too early to teach your kids about stewardship.

2 Comments

  1. Kathleen Basi on March 14, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I like this idea!

  2. Leanne@ Life Happens When on March 16, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    I LOVE this! We are doing 40 bags for 40 days, too. It warmed my heart when my 3 year old picked some of his favorite toys to give away to “boys who don’t have any.” I just wanted to cry!

    Back at Christmas, I took my kids to the nursing home. We had decorated Christmas cards for each resident (48) and delivered the cards to each one of them. My kids are very young (3 and 10 months), but my 3 year old still talks about it!

    What a great idea to take the books to a hospital or shelter. I think I already have a great local place in mind!

    And I agree- stewardship should start early!

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