There’s something about fashion that is quite liberating for people of all ages and genders. The African Women’s Development Fund describes it as one of the best forms of self-expression. It’s an outlet that can help build a person’s confidence, which is something kids all over the world really need help with these days.
Confidence isn’t something that we can easily teach our young ones, so we tend to use other methods to instill this quality. One of the goals of raising kids is that they learn how to think independently and take care of themselves without constantly having to rely on others, although it’s really difficult for parents to do so if they themselves in need of a bit of help. For example, families in Iraq and other conflicted regions have had to depend on child sponsorship programs to fund their kids’ education and basic health needs so they grow to be self-sufficient – an objective shared amongst a number of charities.
One organization called K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers empowers children in various ways, and not just the children on the receiving end of the donations. Their primary mission is to deliver new merchandise to impoverished families through their network of nonprofits, volunteers, retailers and manufacturers. Through their help, they aim to better children’s lives, improving their dignity, self-esteem, and wellbeing.
But it’s not just these at-risk children that find strength through this foundation. Increasing a child’s self-esteem is also possible through the introduction of philanthropy. As DollarSmartKids Enterprises Founder and President Nancy Phillips said, “By witnessing their ability to help others locally or globally, kids realize they have the power to make a positive difference.” The ability to give is something that comes natural for kids, and if you start at the right age, the idea that giving comes first will be permanently set in their minds.
One way to get your kids involved with K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers is by holding a product drive for all new, unused clothing. Another idea would be to host a birthday party that asks for donations rather than gifts. Oddly enough, these giving parties have received positive feedback from birthday celebrants, so don’t be afraid to suggest this concept to your kids. Come high school, your kids could intern at their New York office for course credit.
Visit DonateProduct.com for more fundraising and volunteer opportunities for the family.
