5 Ways to Teach Charity to Children
January 31, 2009
Charity is not for adults alone. Even children can be taught to support charity at a very early age. They should learn to give their time and money to those people and animals that face circumstances that are less fortunate than their own. Supporting charity helps develop empathy in them, teaches them that they can have a positive impact in this world, and also helps them cope with unpleasant situations in their own lives.
Here are 5 ways in which we can teach children the importance of charity.
1. Go through your child’s clothes and pick out the ones that he has not worn in a while or those that he has outgrown. Make sure your child is there to help you with this. Explain to him that these clothes that he no longer needs can be given off to those children that are poor or have no parents to support them. Take your child with you to give away these clothes.
2. Birthdays and special occasions at home are an ideal time to teach your child the need for giving. You can talk to him/her about those that are not as fortunate as him to celebrate special occasions. When you celebrate your child’s birthday party, you can get his friends to bring in something for a charity jar. You can let your child decide which charity organization he would like to donate his ‘charity gifts’ to.
3. When you go shopping for food, involve your child in selecting canned fruits and vegetables and other non-perishable food items that you can give away at the local charity organizations. Talk to him about those people that don’t get to eat everyday and go to bed hungry. You can also help him select a toy for mentally challenged children and orphans. There are organizations that accept food and toys all through the year.
4. Encourage your child to take up volunteering services. There may not be as many opportunities for children as there are for adults, but have your child contribute in any small way. He could visit seniors at a nursing home, he could join an environment protection group to clean up the local park or if he is older, he could help with tutoring some unprivileged children. After all more than the size of the act it is the size of the thought that counts.
5. Be a role model. Your child is always observing you, whether you notice or not. If you want him to learn something, the best way to get him to do it is to set the example yourself. So before you give him lectures on giving and supporting, make sure that you have been involved in charity too. Whenever you make a visit to charity organizations, take your child along, just so he knows that you are not all about talking, but you also walk your talk.
Most people reserve charity for emergencies that arise from catastrophic disasters. But by following the ways mentioned above, you can teach him that charity is not as much about helping in emergencies as it is about helping the less fortunate in our day to day lives. Children may be small but they are closer to life than we really are. Early impressions left on a tender mind are never erased, so follow it up and instill the spirit of giving in your child as early as possible.
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of online schools for bachelor degrees. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12@gmail.com
February 2009 Challenge – Love!
January 28, 2009
The EFC February Challenge theme is Love!
Please submit your entries to EFC Store (via EtsyForCharity) now! Just send us your item listing URL or convo us your item info and photos!
Please note that all submitted entries need to be donated to EFC Store where the sale proceeds will be donated to EFC Charity of the Month.
Submission deadline : 15 February 2009
The poll for voting the winning entry will be from 16 Feb – 25 Feb 2009.
The winner of the EFC February Challenge will win the following prizes kindly sponsored by the EFC members :
1. $15 Gift Certificate by ThePuddlePeople 
2. $10 Gift Certificate by JoniKay52 
3. $10 Gift Certificate by UniqueGrabs
4. $10 Gift Certificate by ValeriesGallery 
5. $5 Gift Certificate by CiaoHound
6. $5 Gift Certificate by Ribbon Wonders
7. Free Pet Sampler Box by PetsJubilee
If you are interested in contributing a prize for EFC February Challenge, please convo UniqueGrabs and provide him your prize details.
Come on and have some fun! Take part in the coming EFC February Challenge!
February 2009 Charity of the Month
January 28, 2009
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”
The mission statement was updated by the American Heart Association during its Annual Meeting in April 2007. The mission statement undergoes a formal review process every third year.
The association’s impact goal is to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. Progress toward the goal will be measured according to these indicators:
- Reduce the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke by 25 percent.
- Reduce the prevalence of smoking, high blood cholesterol and physical inactivity by 25 percent.
- Reduce the rate of uncontrolled high blood pressure by 25 percent.
- Eliminate the growth of obesity and diabetes.
EFC Team donated $40.00 to American Heart Association in February.
In February, EFC individual members donated
$ 20.00 to Snow White
$5.00 to National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Winner of January 2009 Challenge – New Beginnings!
January 26, 2009
Peep, peep...original fine art photograph
Congrats to AllieArt4Children for winning the EFC January Challenge with her entry, Peep, peep…original fine art photograph.
She has won the following prizes kindly sponsored by the EFC members :
1. $15 Gift Certificate by ThePuddlePeople
2. $10 Gift Certificate by JoniKay52
3. $10 Gift Certificate by UniqueGrabs 
4. $10 Gift Certificate by ValeriesGallery
5. $5 Gift Certificate by Ribbon Wonders
6. Original 5 x 7 Fine Art Photograph of Your Choice by AllieArt4Children 
If you are interested in contributing a prize for EFC February Challenge, please convo UniqueGrabs and provide him your prize details.
Come on and have some fun! Take part in the coming EFC February Challenge!
Vote for EFC February Charity of the Month
January 23, 2009
Vote for EFC February Challenge Theme
January 23, 2009
Pick a Winner for EFC January Challenge – New Beginnings!
January 16, 2009
- 40 Custom Flower Business Cards
For sale is 40 custom flower embellishment business cards.
A great business card to surprise your customers and for them to treasure it.
One side shows the flower embellishment. Flip it over and it shows your business contact details.
Just let me know what you want to be added and I will try to squeeze in as much info as possible to the back of each flower.
The size of each flower business card is about 2 inches.
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month.
January 2009 Challenge Entry – 12 Simple NoteCards To Start the New Year off Write by SherryRenee
January 15, 2009
- 12 Simple NoteCards To Start the New Year off Write
I’ve made 12 simple notecards so you can send a little note to let those special people in your life know that you are thinking of them throughout the year. Start the Year off “Write”!
The cards are blank and measure 5 1/2 x 4 1/2. An envelope is included to go with each notecard. Each image is securely attached.
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
January 2009 Challenge Entry – Peep, peep…original fine art photograph by AllieArt4Children
January 15, 2009
- Peep, peep…original fine art photograph
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! My nephew and I came along just a little while after this little guy hatched!
This is my entry for the Etsy for Charity January Challenge, “New Beginnings”! All proceeds from the sale of this print will go to Etsy for Charity’s January Charity of the month, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
This 5×7 photograph will be professionally printed on archival quality paper with a lustre finish. Additional sizes of this photo are available upon request.
This listing is for the photograph only. This print is also available already matted – just convo me if you are interested.
This image is copyright protected. Purchasing this print does not transfer rights to reproduce it. All image rights are retained by the original artist/photographer (me).
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
January 2009 Challenge Entry – White Handsewn Ribbon Flower Hairclip by RibbonWonders
January 15, 2009
- White Handsewn Ribbon Flower Hairclip
This beautiful white flower is hand-sewn on white felt and mounted on a white grosgrain-covered alligator clip. SO beautiful, and perfect to clip onto a headband (shown but not included.)
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
January 2009 Challenge Entry – Teenie Tiny Pleather Yo-Yo Evening Bag by HazelHoney
January 15, 2009
- Teenie Tiny Pleather Yo-Yo Evening Bag
This is my January Challenge (efc team) the theme is NEW BEGINNINGS. This item fits the theme because it’s a new style of bag for my shop I usually do larger totes.
Cute and petite little bag. Great for evening parties or little girls. Fits cards a little cash compact,lipstick and a cellphone nicely.
Body is made from a textured dark brown pleather. Inside is fully linned in soft fuchsia colored satin. A removable yo-yo pin adds all the style to this simple bag!
Measures: 8″ tall x 5.5″ wide with 6″ drop (12″ end to end) handles.
I have also added a layer of quilters batting between the fabric layers for shape and padding.
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
January 2009 Challenge Entry – Baby Bottle Quote Card by BBesigns
January 15, 2009
Baby Bottle Quote Card
“A baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it.” ~Frank A. Clark
What a sweet quote to send for the new baby.
The card begins with a hand painted blue baby bottle embellished with a blue bow. That is mounted on blue card stock and then placed on hand made recycled paper made by me. The paper has blue and green confetti added to green and white computer paper.
The card size is 4″x 5 1/2″ (A2) and comes with a green envelope.
Each card is packaged individually in a plastic sleeve.
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
Skinessentials
January 14, 2009
Baby and Mommy Gift Set Baby Soap Baby Powder Diaper Rash Stretch Mark Cream Shea and Cocoa Butter Olive Oil
Notes from the artist:
This is a terrific gift set for the mommy to be.
It contains 6 bars of our natural baby soap
One bottle of our natural baby powder in aluminum tin with shaker top
One jar of our “Mommy Belly Butter” made with Shea and Cocoa butter to help with stretching dry skin!
One jar of our natural diaper balm.
This set ships in a flat rate priority mail box.
Additional shipping charges will apply for international orders.
SIX PACK Paper or Plastic No Thank You
Paper or Plastic? How about neither. It takes as much petroleum to make 14 plastic bags as it does to drive a car one mile.
This listing is for a SIX PACK of bags (pictures are examples) and I have LOTS to choose from, there are other listings for more (or less) bags. ONE, TWO, THREE, or a BAKERS DOZEN (13) or convo me for bulk orders over two dozen. Thank you. (List of bags in my Profile)
I’ve been using these reusable bags for some time now and decided to wrap my gifts in them this last year. I was so happy at the response to them! Better than that, I’ve seen family and friends use them……just takes a little at a time to get in the habit of recycling.
Keep a bunch in your car trunk, one rolled in your purse. It’s all about making a difference one small step at a time. It’s not so hard being green!
*reinforced bottom corners
*stitch tucked at each handle
*raw edges, they do not fray, great EARTHY, URBAN look and roll up so EASY!
One (1) for $5 Ships for $1.75 First Class
Two (2) for $9 Ships for $3.50 First Class
Three (3) for $12 Ships for $5.30 Priority
SIX PACK (6) for $24 ships for $6.60
Bakers Dozen (13) for $48.75 Ships for $9.30 Priority Flat Rate Box
Convo for list of currently available shirts (sayings) or let me pick for you!
~Check out feedback for Testimonials too~
Limitless uses include but not limited too:
Grocery Bag, Lunch Bag, Tote, Laundry Bag, Shoe Bag, Gift Bag (I wrapped all my holiday gifts in these!), Uniform Change Bag, Craft Bag, Yarn Bag, Smaller ones great for drug store quick shop bag (keep in purse), Carry your Craft Show wares to shows… Office Gift Exchange!
Let me know what you’re using them for and I’ll add to my list! Thanks so much!
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
RibbonWonders
January 12, 2009
Yellow Ribbon Rose Clip
Notes from the artist:
This clip is made of yellow/apricot grosgrain ribbon hand-shaped into a beautiful rose, with a hand-shaped green leaf attached. The flower and leaf are mounted on a blue grosgrain ribbon covered double-prong alligator clip. What a beautiful addition to your hair clip collection!
Getting to Know One Another- Introducing Helen Turnbull
January 11, 2009
Greetings All EFC Members! Here is our latest installment of the “Getting To Know One Another” Series:
Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location).
My name is Helen and my Etsy eshoppe is Glass0Beads (that’s Glass #0 Beads). I am a bead addict. I am a fan of all things handmade. I live in Etobicoke (et O B co), a western suburb of Toronto, Canada.
Who are you in your real life?
For over 40 years I have been using beads in one way or another. I made ‘love beads’ in the ‘60’s. Then I added them to my needlework. And now I have returned to beads. I create artisan jewellery.
What are your favorite materials?
These are hard questions! I am part magpie and part packrat. You just never know when we might need just that 1 thing you’ve been hanging on to for 15 years.
I am a visual and tactile individual. I have been known to ask people if I may touch their sleeve just because it looks soft. I’ve never been turned down, by the way. I love the natural fibres. And I am drawn to all things shiny and smooth and bumpy. There is a place in my repertoire for wire, too. And that segment is growing in stature.
What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
Contrast. Light and shadow. Bright and dull. Shiny and matte finishes. Big and small.
I get my ideas in shapes of things: for example, the idea for a pendant came from the shape of a dress I saw in a magazine.
I also get ideas in the interaction of other artisans; from needlework and knitting and so on.
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
I remember knitting those slippers you can take to wear at a friend’s house. I made a lot of them and I hated every single pair. To this day I hate those slippers. I embroidered a wall hanging for a cousin’s wedding gift: the design was my own and the quality of the stitching was very good, but looking back I see the design, my own, as rather childish.
Do you sell in other locations besides Etsy?
Right now I am rather excited ~ understatement. I’ve learned that, if I want this business to succeed, I must sell face to face. I had an incredibly small taste of selling at a centenary celebration and I did very well. From March 19 to 21, I will be selling my wares at the ‘Almost Spring’ Toronto Bead Oasis Show.
Do you have a website?
Yes and No. I had a website: http://www.LampworkAndBeads.com and I am in negotiations to get my rights to the name reinstated. At present there is only an apology on that site.
Why did you join the Etsy for Charity Group?
I have lived my entire life in the Lap of Good Fortune. The need to pass along that good fortune has been fulfilled by the Etsy for Charity Group.
Do you belong to any other Etsy Groups or other affiliations?
Etsy groups? No. Affiliations? Yes. I am a member of American Needlepoint Guild, Embroidery Guild of America, Ontario Crafts Council, Toronto Bead Society. Online I am a member of SRAJD (Self Representing Artisan Jewellery Designers), Etsy, Jewellery Geeks. And, of course, Etsy For Charity.
What charities do you support personally and why?
Giving, for me, is personal.
Canadian Diabetes Association ~ I am diabetic.
Kidney Foundation ~ renal failure, a side effect of diabetes, shortened my father’s life.
Ontario Fibromyalgia Association ~ I have it.
Playing for Change ~ music hath power to soothe the savage beast. Music is a universal language, it brings people together.
Describe your Etsy experience and any advice you would like to share with others.
I am learning as I go and I have found that Etsy-ans are very giving of their assistance.
Build up your stock: get at least 3 pages of your product.
And then, get your site recognized through SEO and Social Marketing strategies.
Success with Etsy, as with your other online presence, requires work.
What makes you smile?
The ‘ah-ha’ moment, wherever it occurs. Nature in all its beauty. Music. And I admit to loving slapstick comedy when it is in ‘the real world’ and not manufactured on stage and screen.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am glad to be here. And I am eager to learn. And I am glad for this venue to give something back.
Thank you, Alice, for this unique introduction to the artisans of Etsy for Charity. Your questions have given my the opportunity to put my feelings into words.
Thank you Helen for sharing a bit of yourself with your fellow Etsy for Charity Members!
Alice
StampOutCancer
January 11, 2009
Tree Photo Card by JumpsOnBeds
Notes from the artist:
This original photograph graces the front of a 5 x 7 card stock greeting card. It was professionally printed and is sent in its own protective baggie. This card includes and envelope is perfect for any occasion.
This card was donated by Laura at http://jumpsonbeds.etsy.com
Jumpsonbeds maintains the copyrights to this original photograph.
Andreastamps
January 10, 2009
Butterfly Quilt Cards with Ribbon - set of 10
Notes from the artist:
These cute cards have a “quilted” look done with paper piecing. Each card has a slightly different, coordination pattern using high quality paper from a Stampin’ Up pack. In the middle is a brown butterfly on white, mounted on matching brown, and the card is completed with brown ribbon on both sides of the “quilt”. Each card is 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 on guava colored paper and each includes a matching-size white envelope. The cards are blank inside, but can be personalized with a stamped saying at no additional cost. A wonderful card to use for any occasion!
Bossy Scrap Monster
Mary Alice Grundle-Thugly is bossy! We have been working with her, on just worrying about herself, but the Grundle “hall monitor” mentality runs deep! Mary Alice will thrive in a type-A environment where critiques are seen as “character building” and not “masochistic” in nature. Mary Alice likes calisthenics and food with lots of fiber, and likes to dust when she’s angry.
Mary Alice is 16″ Tall and likes her cool old scarf detailed ears, even though she claims they are a touch “Showy”! She is weighted with small river rocks for maximum stability!
*all frankensoques are hand made by me, and come with a lovingly hand sewn belly button and a signed, numbered and dated button tag ( my numbers start all over again at #1 on January 31st and so starts a new series.
100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to Etsy for Charity (EFC) Charity of the Month
