Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Cleveland, OH

What is even more special than all of the holiday glitter, than to also teach your children how to GIVE themselves?  It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement, that we forget to teach our children how to give.

One easy and very simple way to give this holiday season is to donate to a local food pantry.

Simple Step #1 - Let your children choose three items (canned or otherwise non-perishable) from your very own pantry.  Explain that while they might like to eat this item, that someone else who is hungry would get use out of it as well.  Encourage them to choose something they like to eat and talk about the value of sharing.

Simple Step #2 - Using your weekly store circular, let your children circle three items of food that they like.  Total the cost of those three items and stop at the ATM on your way ... yes ... to the grocery store.

I know - it made me cringe a bit to type that ... grocery store shopping WITH children in tow is not always pleasant.

Bite the bullet, load them up and shop for those items that they chose.  Let them use the cash to pay for the items (full circle ... they'll remember this lesson more!).

Simple Step #3 - Deliver the load to a local food pantry.  Divvy up the food so that each child is able to carry some of the food items into the pantry and drop them off personally.

Need some help finding a pantry?  This list is by NO means conclusive and I would suggest that you call ahead to confirm dropoff hours and specific addresses.

All Faiths Pantry - Old Brooklyn/Parma - 216-496-4329

Bainbridge Area Food for Friends - Bainbridge/Auburn/South Russell - 440-708-9829

Brunswick United Church of Christ - Brunswick - 330-225-8813

Christ the King Catholic Church - Serving Zip Codes: 44108, 44110, 44112, 44118, 44121, and 44143. 216-851-4388

Christians in Action - Olmsted Falls - 440-954-4140

Old Stone Church 91 Public Sq. Cleveland - 216-241-6145

Parma Heights Food Pantry - Parma Heights - 440-842-6491

South Hills Lend a Hand - Broadview Hts - 440-526-0514

United Hearts Life Mission Center - Serving Zip Codes 44102, 44109, 44111, 44113, 44114, 44115, 44127 and 44144.

Word of Righteousness - Garfield Heights - 216-373-7885