Gathering Toys For Others

Well, we did it. Our yearly toy sorting expedition. We have been donating toys to the women's shelter for three years now. This year, since both boys are old enough to talk about it, the experience has been enlightening to us all. Nathanial was hesitant at first. He felt that every toy was his favorite one when it was measured up against the trade/keep pile. When I made the harsh rule that the toys had to be unbroken with all the pieces it really made each choice difficult. After going around and around with the importance of keeping ALL of the dumptrucks, I decided to do a little enlightening. We walked away from the toys and sat down to discuss why exactly we were giving our things away.

I would like to say that they were filled with the Christmas spirit and willingly gave all their used toys to those more needy than us but the truth is, in his opinion HIS meant HIS until the end of time.

I explained that giving our things to the shelter was a gift for the people who lived at the shelter. We were supplying them with Christmas presents! How would he feel if his presents were broken when he opened them?? N figured that he wouldnt like that very well. I also explained how he was having Christmas at his home for sure and he was going to be getting new things for sure and there was no doubt that he was safe and sound in his home. I told him that the people that lived in the shelter were NOT at their home and they were NOT guarenteed to have a Christmas and were NOT safe and sound. I also mentioned that they werent SURE of anything and if we could supply them with Christmas gifts that they would have a nice Christmas morning for SURE.

When put in the language of a 5 yr old, making presents of our toys and clothes is a good idea. The toys are still held an extra minute before wrapping and putting in the box. I dont expect them to discard their toys without a second thought after all. I hold my things an extra minute before putting in the box too.

This year the box was overflowing and Nathanial helped carry it in.

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