Kids With A Cause

One organization recently arranged a cruise to help kids less fortunate around the world. Kids With A Cause was founded by Linda Finnegan in Sept. 1999 to teach children how to help others in an interactive way. Finnegan has experience directing camps and other programs in her professional career. She is a native of California and currently resides in Culver City.

These unique programs also enlist the help of celebrity representatives to help make a difference in kids’ lives. The special experiences help enhance self-esteem and build self-confidence for years to come, according to the agency’s website.

Within the organization is a Kids’ Club for children ages 6-18 and the “BIG” Kids’ Club is for members 19 and up to help with Kids With A Cause. You can also order pillows, CDs, and stuffed animals off the site. The organization is part of the United Nations programs.

In one project of Kids With A Cause called “Snuggle Up,” children in need receive their own soft, brightly colored blankets. If anyone could say that they’re too busy to teach her kids the value of helping with charity, it’s Jo Ann of Clarkeville, MD. “I grew up very poor and often went without food,” she said. “The only time we had new clothes was when a relative gave us a box of hand-me-downs.”

Jo Ann found familycares.org to help her help her children get involved with charitable activities and she said the involvement has made an impact on her kids. One expert suggests that parents allow their child to decide how to give to a charity and to give non-material gifts.

“Getting kids into charity pays off big,” said writer Daniel Akst. “Getting kids involved with giving isn’t just for wealthy families.” Some experts recommend children have three allowance jars – one for spending, one for saving, and one for giving.

“One of the benefits of getting the kids involved is that family members start talking about the things they care about, which can help build trust and lower the level of any conflicts over money,” said Greg Kuhn, a family business consultant. “Clients can also build a sense of togetherness by weaving the act of charitable giving into family traditions.”