Teaching Our Kids to Give: Donating to an Animal Shelter

Disclosure: Thank you to Swiffer for sponsoring today’s discussion! All opinions are my own.

This time of year always reminds me of how truly blessed we are as a family and I like to take these opportunities to help to teach my children how important it is to give to those who aren’t as lucky as we are. A few weeks ago, I shared some ideas for easy and fun ways for kids to show that they are thankful, and one of them was donating to a place that is meaningful to your kids. One place that is very special to our family is The Humane Society, since that was where we got our dog a few years ago. My kids have a huge place in their heart for animals, so giving to an animal shelter was a no brainer!

Teaching our kids to give is such an important job for parents to do. No one wants to raise a selfish and greedy child, and in today’s society with so much in your face advertising and immediate gratification, it’s easy for kids to get wrapped up in all of that and forget how important it is to give, share and fill the world with kindness. Showing them how wonderful it is to give to others when they are young, helps to raise adults who are more compassionate, caring and loving.

Since partnering up with Swiffer, I have become all too familiar with the awesome cleaning power of Swiffer dusters, sweepers and the Wet Jet. I use them every single day to clean up after my own kids and doggy and are always amazed at how fast they clean! Those little pieces on the dusters suck up dirt like a magnet and keep it stuck there. If you have a pet, then you already are all too familiar with the messes they make. These “shed happens” moments are the exact ones that Swiffer was designed to clean up! They can sweep around and pick up the loose dog or cat hair in a jiffy and help to keep your house extra clean, especially during shed season!

Bringing home a pet for the first time is a big deal which is why Swiffer is working with BarkBox to help make that transition even easier! Swiffer and BarkBox together are giving away “Welcome Home” kits to new adopting families at certain shelters, you can check out here to find a participating shelter near you. By giving coupons for Swiffer products, some toys and helpful tips, home coming can be easier on everyone.

I knew that this BarkBox and big green box full of Swiffer products would be the perfect things for us to donate to our local Humane Society. The Humane Society has been helping lost and unwanted pets find homes for decades and is completely non-profit. They truly care about animals and their well being and offer many services to the those who need it in the community, like getting your pet spayed or nurtured.

My kids were so excited to go and bring our big green box of goodies! Did you know that many animal shelter specifically ask for donations of Swiffer products by name?? When we brought in our donations, the women working said they just love how easily Swiffer products help to keep the shelter clean and were over the moon with our presents! After we left, I asked my kids how they felt donating, and here’s what they said:

Pretty great huh? Just this small act made not only my kid’s hearts full but also will help out some new pet owners out tremendously! Most parents worry about bringing home a new pet, not only for the responsibility of taking care of their pet, but for cleaning up after it!

So this holiday season when you are thinking of how lucky you and your family are, consider making a donation to your local animal shelter to bring some holiday cheer there as well. Here are some ideas of what to donate, and yes, Swiffer products top the list!