There is no better time than the holidays to teach your children the importance of charitable giving. We all know the story of the 12 days of Christmas, but why stop at 12? Take every day during this special time of year to instill in your children the value of giving back to your community.

1.

Bake cookies and take them to your neighbors

2.

Bring fresh flowers to a favorite teacher to show your appreciation

3.

Volunteer with a local organization like Keep Austin Beautiful

4.

Rescue a pet from Austin Humane Society

5.

Participate in Austin’s Trail of Lights 5K

6.

Gather the clothes you have grown out of and donate them to Goodwill

7.

Go Caroling

8.

Collect and distribute blankets for the homeless

9.

Donate old shoes to Shoes for Austin

10.

Tell family members how much they mean to you (along with a hug and kiss!)

11.

Sponsor an angel on your local Angel Tree

12.

Give Mom a break and make dinner for the family one night

13.

Visit a local park for a clean up

14.

Give your old books to a local children’s hospital

15.

Buy an extra dry good for the food drive bin at HEB

16.

Start a recycling program in your home

17.

Send a letter to Grandma

18.

Make a new friend at school

19.

Call a family member you have not spoken with in some time to wish them Happy Holidays

20.

Bring treats to a local Nursing Home

21.

Participate in Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

22.

Volunteer to wrap gifts for Orange Santa

23.

Donate your old jackets to Coats for Kids

24.

Take time to learn about another culture’s holiday traditions

25.

Help an elderly neighbor decorate their home for the holidays