We all get those fliers in the mail…you know the ones, donate here…donate there. For the most part, I ignore them. Don’t get me wrong, I have my select few charities I donate to…and I donate to the scholarship funds at my university…and I donate to the organizations at school. But I don’t donate to every group that comes begging. I like to know where my money is going and is it truly going for good things. I’m also trying to instill a sense of giving in my daughter. After all, wee may not have a lot, but we are very grateful for what we do have, and we always have something we can give, even if it’s time.
This year, my alma mater (Minot State University) is celebrating it’s centennial. In honor of that momentous occasion, the communication disorders program has put forth the effort to garner the donations to fund 100 cleft-lip-palate repairs through operation smile. The details are here: MSU – Communication Disorders. 
Now, I know full well that this is an expensive season…we have conventions, ASHA dues, licensing, holidays, etc… and I’m not really even asking you to donate to my university…although if you want to I’d love to hear about it…(and you can do it here and even just $5-$10 adds up if enough people do it…)
But the purpose of this post is really to ask, since I know we’re all giving people, HOW do you donate during the year? Is it financial? Is it time? How do you teach your children (at home) and your clients to be giving? Have you done any community service events like my university is doing?
I can’t wait to hear. Drop me a note here.
Until then….Adventure on!
Speech Adventures 
Mary, This is a wonderful post for this time of year or any at all. I have two (gulp) teens now and I think it’s critical to have them involved in the world at large and understand that what we give, whether it be time or money, has an impact. A big impact. My daughter raised money for St. Judes this year by selling her Breyer horse collection at a charity horse show (and soliciting donations) and was recognized at her national horseshow this past weekend as having raised the most–over $1000. I was so incredibly proud. My son is involved with a robotics team and he frequently goes in to help other teams, even competitors, sort out their programming issues.
I’m particularly interested in education (of course) and nutrition. A cause dear to my heart is local, “Out of the Garden,” which provides food to needy children for the weekend through the schools (you’d be amazed at the impact nutrition can have on learning potential) About a year and half ago, I decided to donate a “snack bag” (5 snacks) for every TpT product I sold regardless of the items price. As a family we purchase the food and spend a few hours on a Saturday morning with assembly about 4x/year. Keep up the great work with your little one. Your example is further reaching than you’d imagine. (I’m sending in my donation to the MSU fund right now…)
Fabulous examples Kim. I love hearing how your kids give back. My girl had a bake sale this summer and gave all the proceeds to a local animal shelter. It really is wonderful knowing that we are raising a caring next generation. I pray they continue the trend. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.