The opportunity to help presents itself in many ways. We may give money, food, or clothing — or literally a helping hand — to someone in need. Sometimes we empower others to help themselves. Sometimes we meet the recipients of our help, and sometimes we do not. Sometimes we are the recipients. Do you help by volunteering in person and therefore meeting people in need, for example, at a homeless shelter? If you donate to charitable organizations, how do you decide which ones to support?

In this session, you help children give the gift of helping to a person who lives far away, whom they do not know, will probably never meet, and whose name they may never know. Think about how you feel when you make a financial contribution to an organization that helps others. Do you feel part of the organization? What helps you understand that you have been helpful when you do not know the recipient? While the money you contribute and the help someone receives are tangible, the gift of helping is not. Help the children understand this intangible gift of the heart and the spirit. Bring your own positive energy around helping to this session.