Young people and charity

Here's an interesting fact. A study in the U.S. revealed that millennials are interested in philanthropy. In fact, they are often more engaged than their parents. The popular stereotype of millennials is that they are lazy, entitled or self-centered. I've seen firsthand that it's not true.

It's true the job market is tougher for millennials than it was for their parents. Depending on what city they're from, home ownership is more out of reach. But for those who want to give something back, they often tend to be more engaged. They pick charities that align more with their beliefs. They take the same approach to investing and career management.

So how do you get your children involved in giving back? Well, the easiest way is to set the example and then involve your children. Here are a few examples. With younger children, you're constantly having to buy them new clothes as they outgrow their older ones. Maybe you bag the clothes and bring them to the shelter. Let them know what you're doing with their old clothes. Let them go through their closets and pick things that no longer fit or that they simply don't need any more. Bring your children with you when you visit the shelter.

Are you a parent who lets your children go grocery shopping with you? Let them pick one item, something as simple as a box of mac and cheese. Let them put it in the food donation box that most grocery stores operate. Or again, let them come to the shelter with you when you're dropping off your food items for our grocery program.

A lot of children develop habits, routines, beliefs for no other reason than they saw their parents with the same habits, routines, and beliefs. When they become an adult and move into their own places, they won't even think twice about donating items they no longer need. They won't think twice about signing up for a monthly donation plan when they make their budget. It will be something they do simply because you have taught them that it's the right thing to do.