Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
Menu
charities kids can relate to, kids charities, charities for kids

Charities for Kids to Support

Posted on November 4, 2012May 26, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Teaching Kids About Charities

Thank you to my reader Ali who asked me to post on charities that kids can support. These non-profits below have touched me. If you have your children working on personal finance with a system to Spend, Save, and Donate, perhaps some of these organizations will be lucky recipients.

Another way to teach kids about helping others is to have a no-gift birthday party and ask guests to instead make a small donation in lieu of a gift. My son’s birthday is coming up and I struggle with the idea of gifts, especially when I know it’s going to be a large party.

Thank you notes are the first hurdle. My kids know that if they have a gift birthday party, they are expected to write a handwritten thank you note to every guest. This means careful tracking of gifts to guests, as well as the labor-intensive actual writing of the notes.

But it’s not like my kids need more stuff. They get presents from relatives and from us and our house is brimming with toys. An influx of toys requires an equal amount of outgoing donations.

My kids are still not down with the idea of No Gifts Parties, even with the burden of Thank You notes and selecting old toys to donate.  I’m wondering if having them choose a charity that is meaningful to them will be motivating. We don’t need more stuff and this is the season to give back.

This year will mark the first time my kids will Donate from the Spend/Save/Donate money allocations that they are theoretically making. They are definitely good at Spend. They did some Save but it has petered out. I’ll keep you posted on where they Donate.

Our elementary school has a Social Action Committee that introduces charities and ways in which kids can support them on a monthly basis. Presented as a monthly offering and tied into Walk to School Day, my kids walk to school — a novelty for them — typically accompanied by a donation which varied from canned food, used sneakers, warm used coats to handwritten cards to veterans.

It’s never to early to teach your kids to care about those who have less and I’m thankful that my school helps with this important life lesson.

Please add your charities that you think kids will want to support as a comment and I’ll add them to this list. What do you do to teach your kids about supporting charities? Please share!

 

World Altering Medicine

I learned about World Altering Medicine after reading this great post on The Fourth Musketeer. Shana Berg, the author of Laugh with the Moon, writes about conditions in Malawi and was also the guest post author. Her book would make a great book club for kids!

Soccer without Borders

Our friend Sydnie is in this video with Boston College soccer player alumni Julia. My kids ask for new soccer cleats whenever their shoes feel tight and they think nothing of it. They ask for new shin guards when their old ones rub blisters on their feet. But what if you can’t afford soccer cleats? In the United States, you can’t play soccer.  It’s part of our requirements; the kids line up for the referee to show that they have no jewelry on, tap their shins to show they have cleats, and turn around with their shoe facing up to show that they are wearing cleats. Since soccer is a popular sport for lots of kids, this charity might really resonate with them.

Birthday Wishes

Though this organization is based in Boston with outreach to New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, kids know the importance of celebrating their birthday. Birthday Wishes allows homeless children to have that special celebration that they otherwise would not.

First Book

The first no-gifts party that my oldest attended asked for a donation to First Book in lieu of presents. The thought of kids who have no books at all personally moves me. A steady diet of good books gives kids literacy skills that give them endless opportunities in life and so this organization is especially dear to my heart.

ASPCA

Helping animals is something all kids support so this organization has mass appeal.

Locks of Love

It’s great for kids to realize that they can make a difference simply by growing their hair long enough to donate 10 inches (as measured from the ponytail holder). It’s also such a personal donation that requires sustained motivation.

It takes my kids about two years to grow their hair long enough that 10 inches still leaves them just enough hair to pull it back in a ponytail. My hair stylist normally only cuts adults, but she will give them a free amazing cut whenever they are ready to make their hair donation. After the cut (and a lot of before and after photos), we go to Starbucks to celebrate. It’s such a great feeling of accomplishment!

When you are a little kid and don’t get much money, it might not be easy to make a financial contribution to a charity but you can always grow and give up your hair. It’s one personal way to make a connection about charity and realize that you can, even as a child,  make a difference in someone’s life.

And, as I stroke their silky soft hair, I know someone will appreciate it very much, especially knowing that it came from a stranger with love.

Locks of Love donation, donating hair, donating hair, girls donating hair to locks of lovedonating hair, locks of love,

To examine any of the items listed, please click on image of item.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

31 thoughts on “Charities for Kids to Support”

  1. maryanne @ mama smiles says:
    November 4, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing these kid-friendly charities!

    Reply
  2. Nancy says:
    November 4, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Congrats on being th featured blog at Boston.com moms!

    Reply
  3. Ann says:
    November 4, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    What a great post idea! So far I have managed just family parties but I bet the gifts at a big party are just too much. It feels like it’s too much just from family! I like the idea of a charity associated with kids interests. My kids would definitely choose to help animals!

    Reply
  4. Christin says:
    November 5, 2012 at 8:52 am

    What an interesting post. Thankyou for that information.

    I will show my children and I am sure it will generate some interesting discussion. I don’t think they will go for the donate idea but it will get them thinking about how many advantages they have in life compared to those less fortunate than themselves.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 5, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Christin,
      I think just for kids to learn that other kids have less than they do is a great life lesson regardless if they are interested in donating. I think it’s great that you are willing to discuss this with them!

      Reply
  5. Julie @ Just Playin Around says:
    November 5, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this list of charities. It’s a great reminder that we should be teaching our kids to give more. Thanks for sharing with the Afterschool Linkup!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 5, 2012 at 10:14 pm

      Hi Julie,
      Thanks so much for hosting the link up and for taking time to comment on each link! You are so nice to do that given that your link up has so many participants!

      Reply
  6. Jessica B. says:
    November 6, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Definitely check us out! We are a great way for children to get involved in philanthropy & community service! From our Adopt a Night Night Package Program to becoming a Birthday Hero! Lots of ways to get involved from 1-100 years old!

    http://www.projectnightnight.org

    -The Project Night Night Team

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm

      Hi Jessica B.,
      Thanks so much for the heads up about Project Night Night!

      Reply
  7. Susan Case says:
    November 7, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Great list! Love seeing children being taught service.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 7, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      Hi Susan,
      I am so glad to that my kids’ elementary school is gently guiding the kids towards all kinds of options that let them realize how much of a difference a single individual — even a kid — can do. It’s wonderful! And hopefully, it motivates them to do this their entire life.

      Reply
  8. Buck says:
    November 7, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    I love this post! My wife and I could not agree more – so much so that we started our own business to tackle this EXACT problem. We created a way to not only let our children donate a portion of their birthday gifts to charity, creating a valuable teaching opportunity, but allow them to get one (or few) MEANINGFUL gifts at the same time. Please check us out – I think you’ll love it as much as we do!

    Reply
  9. Buck says:
    November 7, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    Sorry, I just realized my website didn’t get published in my earlier comment! Anyway, here it is… http://www.shareyourwish.com

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 8, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      Hi Buck,
      Thanks for your link!

      Reply
  10. Stefanie says:
    November 10, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    Great post and great options for charities!

    We’ve had much success with Charity parties where you bring the birthday child a dollar or five or ten dollars and match the same amount for the charity your birthday child chooses.

    Choosing the charity becomes a great way to talk about community need with your child and it gives them the opportunity to realize what’s important to them to support. We usually support the local food bank but we’ve also chosen the SPCA.

    If you figure your guest will likely spend around $20 for a gift then you can ask for a $10 cash gift and a $10 donation to the charity. Your child can learn to be financially savvy and have an opportunity the feel the good karma reward of giving back to the community, which is a priceless gift. One year my daughter decided to give some of her present money to the charity as well. [Insert proud mama moment….]

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 11, 2012 at 8:19 am

      Hi Stephanie,
      I LOVE that idea. And it also gives something to the birthday child which is our stickler. I also like how the birthday money can be used to buy a few gifts that the child really wants and give $ to manage.

      But the idea of figuring out where to donate is so empowering! I love that!

      My son’s bday party is coming up. I am going to ask him if he is willing to do that. Thanks so much for your great suggestion and you should be proud — it is really impactful what you are teaching your kids!!!

      Reply
  11. heather says:
    November 11, 2012 at 8:58 am

    We’ve done no gift parties for all of their friend parties and usually tie the charity in with the party theme. At a baseball themed party, my son collected balls for a local children’s charity. At a kickball party, we collected donations for Soles4Soles. We’ve collected toys for the local children’s hospital and my daughter has donated her hair twice. I think the more you do donations and collections as a family, the more it just seems “normal” for kids.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 13, 2012 at 8:14 pm

      Hi Heather,
      I love your ideas. I proposed a no gifts — $5 to charity and $5 to him — party for my 8-year-old son but he didn’t want to do it. Also, my husband wasn’t comfortable asking for money. I like your idea of a themed donation. I’m going to try that next time! What would you collect for a laser tag party though? …

      Reply
  12. Jill@momsgoneglobal.com says:
    November 16, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Great suggestions! I love the Spend, Save & Donate idea. I have a Pinterest board called “Ways Kids Can Give” which features some great charitable organizations and projects kids can participate in. Here’s the link: http://pinterest.com/momsgoneglobal/ways-kids-can-give/

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      November 17, 2012 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Jill,
      Thanks so much for sharing your great Pinterest board! I am trying to get my kids more aware of the ways they can help.

      Reply
  13. Megan says:
    November 29, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    For our daughter’s first birthday we had a shoe themed girly party. In lieu of gifts guests brought a pair of flip flops to donate to Faces Without Places. It is a Cincinnati organization that supports homeless children. Phenomenal place. I’m glad we aren’t alone with the idea of instilling this thought on our Children.

    Reply
  14. Skim says:
    March 16, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I looked in to Locks of Love when donating my child’s hair and found out that they sell the real hair that is donated to them and buy the kids synthetic hair instead. The children and families who receive the wigs also have to PAY for them on a sliding scale. I ended up donating to Pantene Beautiful Lengths because all the hair donated will go to make a wig for a person in need and at no charge.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 17, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      Hi Skim,
      Is that really true? If so, that is very disturbing since we have donated to Locks of Love multiple times. I am going to investigate. Thanks for the other hair donation place. We might be switching …

      Reply
  15. Pragmatic Mom says:
    March 17, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    If you google it, it will come up. This information is also available on the Locks of Love website in the FAQ. Their rationale for giving kids synthetic wigs is because the kids will need several wigs as they grow and using real hair would be costly. According to their tax returns, they’ve made an incredible amount off of selling hair. It also states on their website that families will have to pay on a sliding scale depending on financial ability. There’s nothing really wrong with this and they don’t hide these facts since it’s on the website but I think people who donate their precious hair or the hair of their kids should know. Personally, I opted for Beautiful Lengths because all useable donated hair goes to make wigs for people who are ill, free of charge.

    From Skim

    Reply
  16. Pragmatic Mom says:
    March 17, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Not to beat dead horse but here’s an interesting article. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06locks.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

    The math doesn’t add up. Locks of Love receives 2,000 ponytails a WEEK and they’ve only provided 1,000 wigs since 1997.
    Pantene received 18,000 ponytails in total and provided 2,000 wigs. This article was written in 2007 but it still indicative of the way the two organization operate. Personally, I find the gross disparity shocking. But, to each her own.

    By the way, I loved your post.

    From Skim via email to me.

    Reply
  17. Justine says:
    April 29, 2013 at 7:24 am

    To think that people nowadays are being good about helping people and expanding their care upon the other stuff. When talking about the charity stuff this may need some support to other people like the rich people and the government. But consider thins that it can be a big help to everyone.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      April 30, 2013 at 6:47 pm

      Hi Justine,
      Yes, it’s nice that kids can help out too and make a difference in the world.

      Reply
  18. easyday says:
    June 4, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Great article. I really appreciate you for writing an article about teaching charity to the kids

    Regards
    Prasad

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      June 6, 2013 at 7:50 am

      Thanks so much Prasad! I really appreciate your kind comment!

      Reply
  19. B'day Wishes says:
    July 4, 2013 at 9:27 am

    One of the best teaching article I ever read. Charity is such great cause that everybody must participate in it. It always pays back. Big or small, but there must be something we should donate. And kids…. yes they so pure and soft at heart. If we teach them about charity, they feel the pain of people and grow in a better way. Good work. Lots of good wishes from our side.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 5, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks so much B’day Wishes,
      We are trying to teach our kids about the world around them and that they have the opportunity to help others. They really like doing it too which is wonderful! I think you always get more back when you give.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Changing the Game’s 4th Birthday & 4 Signed Book GIVEAWAY! July 7, 2025
  • Battle of Lexington and Concord: America 250 July 4, 2025
  • WONDER WHY by Lisa Varchol Perron Book Event July 2, 2025
  • 10 STEM Picture Books about Planet Earth & GIVEAWAY! June 30, 2025
  • Thank you to Canvas Rebel for Featuring Me June 27, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT