Nurturing a Philanthropic Outlook in Young Children Connects Us All

34 years ago, the seed for Family Giving Tree was planted as a class project at San Jose State University, where I attended as a student. The idea sparked the Holiday Wish Drive - a collective effort where volunteers and donors come together to grant holiday wishes and bring light to the season for neighbors experiencing economic distress. 5 years later, the Back-to-School Drive was born - an initiative to support underresourced students all over the Bay Area with brand-new backpacks full of school supplies. These drives and the goal of helping children feel special and loved by their community have been a critical part of my life —and, indeed, the most significant part of the mission of the Family Giving Tree.

About 10 years into the Family Giving Tree, I realized that in addition to the families and children that?we were?serving, perhaps there was another group of people who might have?a more significant difference made in their life— those who are doing the service, especially?the?children. Engaging in volunteer activities and charitable giving can profoundly impact children's personal and social development.

When children learn to give back to their community, they become more aware of the challenges others face and develop a sense of empathy and compassion. For example, when a parent takes these wish cards with them for a shopping trip to Target, they have that opportunity to explain to their daughter that this little girl whose first name is on the card wants a Barbie, and she doesn't have any Barbies at home. They task their daughter with choosing just the right Barbie for that recipient, and she gets to experience how it feels to brighten the holidays for someone who could really use a boost.

During a meaningful moment like this, parents are helping their children zoom out and widen their perspectives. They can better conceptualize the realities of peers in neighborhoods close to their own that are currently experiencing the effects of economic hardship. This awareness can lead to increased kindness, generosity, and concern for the welfare of others, both now and in the future. They feel that connection with that child named on the card. Giving their time and money to lend support and kindness to this person they have never met, and will never be able to thank, gives new meaning to the word "stranger." It transforms it to include "neighbor."?

By doing this regularly, kids can connect their role in the community as someone who lifts up those around them. This has a way of nourishing the whole community.?

I am most proud of Family Giving Tree's commitment to involving children as young as toddler age in volunteering in safe areas of our warehouse. Tiny kids as young as 2 or 3 can assist their parents and grandparents in wrapping a gift donated by a community member or finding a wish marked on a tag for a senior in our warehouse store. Little ones can also help check items off a supply list for a backpack that will be sent to a young student excitedly anticipating their first day in an elementary school classroom. By helping others in ways like this, small children can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their ability to positively impact the world. This can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

The added benefit is the effect a family mindset of philanthropy can have on the family bond. When families engage in volunteer activities together, they develop shared experiences and memories that can strengthen their relationships. This can lead to a greater sense of belonging and connectedness within the family unit.

My favorite little mug says kindness is magic - and it really is magic. Nurturing that volunteer spirit of kindness and giving is really at the heart of Family Giving Tree. The way a tree in the forest re-seeds itself and grows its own community is truly magical. Emerging research even shows that trees communicate, share, and care for other trees through their roots, using a network of mycelium. Fostering this tree-like community is the goal.

I'm hopeful that we will be able to increase the number of young people doing volunteer work in the community. By growing and strengthening our network of philanthropists, we create citizens who are wired to keep a pulse on the needs of their community and who are willing to share, care, and uplift others to create an environment where all can thrive.

Going out and engaging in volunteer work at senior centers, mowing the lawn or baking brownies for a neighbor when they're ill, creating a gift or card for someone who works hard at your school—by doing these things regularly, you are adding value to someone else's life. And doing these things together? Those are the seeds — the actionable steps —every young person can take that will change the world.

I want to introduce you to a friend who exemplifies this spirit of philanthropy and truly walks the walk in her own family - Shelene Huey -Booker , board member of FGT, community activist, and CEO of Youth Utilizing Power and Praise in Santa Clara. Shelene has been volunteering with FGT as an “Angel Elf” with her family, including her young daughter, for over 16 years.?

We invite you to listen to Shelene share a brief story about how her father's legacy of giving back has resulted in a love of philanthropy for new branches of her family tree!??

By Jennifer Cullenbine, MBA (She/Her) Co-founder, and CEO of the Family Giving Tree.

Known by many long-term supporters and volunteers as the "Queen Elf", Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University, where the idea for the Family Giving Tree was born. Jennifer is affiliated with many organizations, including the Entrepreneurs' Organization , The Milpitas Chamber of Commerce , and the Rotary Club of Milpitas, where she recently served as President.??