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Friday, June 6, 2008
Help your child help SICSA
What do you give the kid who has everything? Apparently, nothing!
There’s a trend of parents requesting “no gifts” at their child’s birthday parties, according to Lisa Kothari, author and children’s party planner. She says, “A lot of Gen X and Gen Y parents feel their kids already have enough stuff. They don’t want a bunch of miscellaneous gifts.”
I say, “Hear, hear!”
Kothari’s alternatives to presents include:
1) Have a book exchange, with every child bringing a wrapped book, and everyone getting to take one home.
2) Ask for presents appropriate for kids in the hospital. After the party, the birthday child delivers the gifts.
3) Request art supplies and donate them to a shelter.
4) Contact a favorite charity for a Wish List. As an example, the local animal shelter may need leashes, collars, toys or food bowls. Request that guests bring these items in lieu of birthday gifts to donate.
A 10-year-old animal-loving friend followed this magnanimous route and asked party-goers at his recent Pump It Up birthday extravaganza to bring a donation for SICSA, the Society for the Improvement of the Conditions for Stray Animals (yes, it’s a mouthful).
Our generous little friend collected $85 in cash and a bunch of doggie treats, cat toys, etc.
His dad says a few families tossed in an extra gift for the boy. Some presented receipts for money that they had donated on his behalf.
Proud Papa added that while his son initially found it a bit hard to hand over all that cold hard cash, he felt good about it afterward. (Incidentally, their family dog was rescued from the pound.)
Another way your family can help: The nonprofit SICSA, which is dedicated to saving the lives of Miami Valley dogs and cats, is having its 10th Annual Walk for Strays this morning, June 7, at Kettering’s Delco Park. For more information or to donate, click here to visit SICSA’s Web site.
