The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving. Beyond presents and festivities, it’s a chance to help our children see the impact their actions can have on others. Generosity isn’t learned overnight — it grows through shared experiences, thoughtful gestures, and small acts of kindness that build empathy and awareness. We have plenty of family-friendly ways to give back, creating meaningful memories while making a difference in your community. Here are some ideas for your family!
1. Donate Gently Used Toys and Clothing
Kids often outgrow items long before they lose their usefulness. Sorting through cupboards together teaches responsibility and empathy — children learn that their belongings can bring joy to someone else. Mom and Dad, this goes for us too, if you haven’t fitted in those jeans for 10 years, its time….
Where to donate:
- The Grace Factory (Randburg/Parkmore) — https://thegracefactory.co.za/
- Door of Hope (Northcliff & Linden) — https://doorofhope.co.za/
- U-Turn Charity Shops - https://homeless.org.za/
2. Support an Animal Shelter
Many children love animals, making this an accessible way to learn about caring for living beings. Families can donate food, blankets, or treats — or even spend time socialising with the animals.
Great local organisations:
- Woodrock Animal Rescue (Fourways/Houghton) — www.woodrockanimalrescue.co.za
- Animal Anti-Cruelty League — https://www.aacl.co.za/
- JHB SPCA: https://jhbspca.co.za/
3. Create Care Packs for Families in Need
Putting together small care packs is hands-on, creative, and incredibly impactful. Children can help choose items, decorate packets, and write cheerful messages.
Ideas for care packs:
- Toiletries
- Stationery
- Snacks
- Small toys
- Holiday messages or handmade cards
Where to donate:
- Thuthuzela Community Centre (Randburg) — https://thuthuzela.org.za/
- JHB Dream Centre - https://johannesburgdreamcenter.org/
- Rand Aid Association - https://randaid.co.za/
4. Visit a Retirement Home
Many residents don’t receive visitors during the holidays. Children bringing songs, handmade cards, or simply friendly smiles can brighten someone’s entire week.
- Local homes that often welcome visitors:
- Methodist Homes — https://mha.co.za/rose-village-roosevelt-park/
- Flower Foundation - https://www.flower.org.za/
- Ekklesia Park, North Riding — http://ekklesiapark.co.za/
"No one has ever become poor by giving." — Anne Frank
5. Donate Books to a School or Reading Programme
Teaching generosity through literacy is powerful — children learn that sharing stories helps others learn and dream.
Where to donate:
- Little Libraries (Boskruin, Fairland, Northriding, Linden) — https://littlefreelibrary.org/
- SPCA Linden store - https://www.spca-rbg.org.za/charity-shop
- Khulisa - https://khulisa.org.za/
6. Volunteer at Community Events
JHB North is full of neighbourhood-driven initiatives, especially during the festive season — food drives, park clean-ups, charity markets, and wrapping-gift projects.
Family-friendly options:
- Eco Mzansi - https://www.ecomzansi.co.za/eco-mzansi/environmental-volunteering-in-johannesburg?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Hands of Compassion - https://handsofcompassionsa.org/
- Robin Hood Foundation events— https://robinhoodfoundation.co.za/
7. Start a Family Kindness Tradition
Giving back doesn’t have to be a once-off holiday activity. Create traditions that become part of your family’s rhythm.
Ideas:
- A “December Kindness Calendar” with a small daily act of kindness
- Choosing one charity as a family each year
- Baking-and-sharing days with neighbours
- Creating handmade cards for hospital children
- Doing a monthly cupboard clean-out as a family activity
- Children quickly learn that generosity isn’t about the size of the gift — it’s about the heart behind it.
Teaching children the spirit of giving shapes their understanding of community, empathy, and gratitude. Whether it’s donating a favourite toy, feeding a rescue animal, or brightening someone’s day with a smile, these experiences leave lasting impressions. By involving your family in acts of kindness, you not only help others but also strengthen family bonds and instil values that will guide your children for life. Generosity, after all, is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart behind it.
