Youth Philanthropy
Students at Oak Grove Elementary are introduced to the Giving Game. Photo courtesy of Joel Blocker, Montrose Daily Press
“How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.” –James Cash Penney
Students at Northside Elementary are introduced to the concept of philanthropy.
Believing that philanthropy is in reach of all of us, the Montrose Community Foundation is excited to unveil a new youth philanthropy program this spring. “Montrose Community Kids,” nearly 600 students from 4th and 5th grade elementary schools including Olathe, Northside, Pomona, and Oak Grove, are playing the Giving Game and most importantly experiencing the joy and excitement of doing for someone else.
Olathe Elementary Students show their Giving Game cards.
After introducing the concept of philanthropy in participating schools, the Foundation provided each student with a trading card. The card directs children to offer a gift of their time, talent, or treasure to another person or group and leave the card with the recipient. This philanthropic event is then recorded on-line at www.givinggame.org free-of-charge. The next person in the chain of giving then plans, gives, and records their event on-line, referencing the unique serial number imprinted on each card. Children are able to “follow” the card on-line as it moves from philanthropist to recipient and know that their act of caring initiated a wave of philanthropy.
The wave of philanthropy sweeps across Pomona Elementary School.
”Welcome “Montrose Community Kids” from Oak Grove, Pamona, Olathe and Northside! Here are ten easy steps to get you started:
1) Receive your card. Cards received at the schools through the Foundation are registered under the group name, “Montrose Community Kids”.
2) Plan your act of kindness (time, talent, or treasure).
3) Discuss with your teacher or parent.
4) Write down your serial number to use later.
5) Do the good deed and leave the card.
Students learned that good gifts involve our time, talent, and treasure.
6) Log onto www.givinggame.org and go to “Playing the Game”.
7) Sign up as a player and register your card using the serial number.
8) Record your good deed under card story (remember to only use first names and no identifying information such as phone numbers and addresses). Report any offensive conduct by clicking on the link in the bottom right hand corner.
9) Check back often to see where your card is now.
AND
10) E-mail us at montrosecommunityfoundation@gmail.com with your stories!
Want to play again? Log onto www.givinggame.org and print your own cards to keep playing or share the fun of giving with others.
The Montrose Community Foundation also presents periodically in area schools on community development and the principles of philanthropy.
Students Reflect on Community