a giving heart

A few weeks ago, Beckett found a scarf at the consignment store that she loved.  It was pink, frilly and sparkly – three things she adores.  I told her that she could buy it with her own money if she wanted.  She immediately went home, opened up the piggy bank (which was coincidentally overflowing) and began to count out coins.  We made three piles of equal amounts: “to share”, “to spend” and “to save”.

$2.70 went into her savings account.  $2.70 was in hand and counted out by Beckett herself at the consignment store to purchase her scarf.  And, we donated $2.70 to the charity her choice.

She had the two options – both explained in three-year-old lingo.  I wanted to give her a choice, but not so many choices that she’d get overwhelmed.  And, I wanted them to be charities she could relate to.

Charity #1: Local Humane Society

Charity #2: Make-A-Wish Foundation

She decided to help sick children who wanted to go to Disneyland.  She thought that would be the obvious “dream” for any child, so that is what she decided she’d like to help with.  After making her choice, she told me “I can save the doggies who need homes next time.”

I made the donation online and Jacob and I covered the additional $2.30 to reach the  $5.00 donation minimum.  After donating, we received a Thank You email addressed to Ms. Beckett Olive Ferry.  We read it and watched the attached video.  This sweet song written by a local, to Seattle, teenage girl with cancer has been on repeat in our house for the past two weeks.

I am proud that Beckett gave with her heart and understood the impact of her dollars.  Her face lit up when we read the thank you email and every time we watch the video she says, “This girl is sick, but she made this movie before going to Disneyland.”

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