Embedded Files
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Hope Tree Project’s mission is to “plant seeds of hope, one child at a time” by providing requested gifts (clothes, shoes, coats toys) and necessities (supplies and gift cards for food) to identified students and their families in need at local CMS schools during the holidays. Our secondary mission is to provide hands-on opportunities for children in our community to help their peers by developing leadership skills and growing in empathy and understanding. Ultimately, the Hope Tree Project brings joy, smiles and HOPE to families in our community.
We Show Up for Each Other
We Show Up for Each Other
HOW TO ENGAGE IN GENEROSITY WITH A COMMUNITY-CENTER FOCUS
This model encourages generosity while celebrating the dignity and strength of the individuals you are serving. With a community-centered focus, children learn that we give not because we have a lot and others do not, but because we are part of a community where everyone has needs and everyone has something to contribute.
BENEFITS:
serves to reinforce a feeling of belonging
shows children they can make a positive difference
strengthens children’s sense of self-worth
develops empathy
improves gratitude
leads to improved social-emotional health
HOW TO DO IT:
Start by helping your child identify the people who show up for them every day (teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, the friendly cashier at the grocery store, etc.). Then ask your child to think of ways they can show up for these people (make a card, say thank you, learn their name).
Make “Showing Up for Others” a regular rhythm in your family. Take time to ask, “Who showed up for you today?”, and “How did you show up for others?” Let your children think of simple ways they can show their appreciation.
When engaging in community service projects use the same language of “showing up for each other”. Point to how you are going to join with others to show up for people in your community. Try to point out how the people in the community you are serving are showing up for each other.
Use books to help build empathy and point out how others are showing up within their communities.
Source: Jane Wilkinson, Curriculum Specialist and Community & Culture Coordinator at the Atlanta Speech School.
Building Empathy
Building Empathy
My dear friend, Jane Wilkinson, is the Curriculum Specialist and Community & Culture Coordinator at the Atlanta Speech School. One of her passions is building empathy in children. The information below is from her "Bloom Talk".
Benefits of involving children in philanthropy/contributory activities:
serves to reinforce a feeling of belonging
shows children they can make a positive difference
strengthens their sense of self-worth
develops their empathy
Stages of empathy development:
1-3 year olds - becoming more aware of others feelings, empathy is limited to what they experience
3-5 year olds - empathy grows and they begin to better imagine how another person might feel
5 and older - can begin to feel empathy for people they do not know who are in experiences they have not experienced (empathy for another’s life condition)
Empathy is not a fixed trait. It can be developed and grown.
Engaging in all three types of empathy:
LEARN (cognitive) - Learn about the topic/cause
FEEL (emotional) - Take time to ask questions that will develop empathy
ACT (compassionate) - Ask your child what they want to do? When possible give them ownership in making choices and planning
Use books to develop empathy.
Book Suggestions For Kids
Book Suggestions For Kids
Videos - Book Readings
Videos - Book Readings
"Those Shoes" by Maribeth Boelts (Author), Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
'Maddi’s Fridge' is written by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel and read by Jennifer Garner.
With humor and warmth, this children’s picture book raises awareness about poverty and hunger! Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others.
Resources For Adults
Resources For Adults
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse