The Great Big Box Project

**bigboxmom** · 11-07-2007, 12:28 AM

I hope you all don't mind if I jump in here with my pet project. lol

Here's a (not so) brief explaination of the Great Big Box....

Every week, give each child (or each family member!) $5 to shop with. It's up to them to make the best use of the money. (We decide on a weekly basis whether or not we can afford to do this. Sometimes it's less)

Whatever they purchase will go in a Great Big Box. When the box is full ask around until you find a family in need, and drop it anonymously on their doorstep. Then to start a new box!

I have several hopes for this project:

1. To teach kids about compassion, and to be aware that not everyone is as lucky as we are. I'd like to prevent that sense of entitlement that so many kids have.

2. To remind them that even when things are tight for US, they are tighter for someone else. They need to be aware that while they are upset because they didn't get the toy they wanted, there are kids who just want to have a full tummy tonight, and families who would like to have laundry soap. Not to make them feel guilty about what THEY have, but to keep them aware that sometimes it's better to do without an 'extra' so we can give someone else a hand.

3. To teach them to be selective about how, when and where they spend their money. (Sure, $.24 brownies are a bargain, but you can't live on brownies...LOL) I want them to learn how to fill the box with a healthy mix of foods and an appropriate amount of treats.

4. To help them learn how to manage a budget. Give them a set amount, a goal, and the tools they need to succeed at it. You can get a LOT of great stuff for $5 when you are a savvy shopper.

Anyway...I'm hoping some more savvy shoppers will take on the bigboxchallenge with thier kids! Even $2 a week can add up to a big box of help for someone who needs it, and an amazing lesson in compassion for your kids.

**Its_Donna** · 11-07-2007, 05:05 AM

What a wonderful idea!

**favesis37** · 11-07-2007, 05:52 AM

that is such a awesome idea, do you mind if i steal it?

**JustJoy** · 11-07-2007, 07:11 AM

What a great idea!

**missyali** · 11-07-2007, 07:17 AM

I love that idea! I think I will have to borrow your idea as well. My kids will love doing this with me! Thanks!

**powerfm1** · 11-07-2007, 08:01 AM

Beautiful idea and brilliant parenting!

**latierra84** · 11-07-2007, 11:18 AM

compassion IS contagious! great slogan

**bigboxmom** · 11-07-2007, 11:30 AM

that is such a awesome idea, do you mind if i steal it?

Please do! I'm hoping you will, in fact. I would love to get the idea out there, get the blog linked around various places and get LOTS of people to "come play" with us! :grin: The more the better!

Right now I'm trying to build up the blog with lots of tips/tricks to make the most of the money the kids get. If you know of a link that should be added, please let me know!

**shoiji** · 11-07-2007, 01:11 PM

This is a great idea!

**JanieD** · 11-10-2007, 11:36 AM

Wonderful way to help others! Can you share how you find people who are really in need? I've heard so many "sad" stories, only to find they have a nicer car than I do or that cable/internet/cell phones are more important than a new coat for their child. Don't get me wrong not trying to judge anyone, but I like to know my help is put where its really needed!

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-10-2007, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by JanieD

Wonderful way to help others! Can you share how you find people who are really in need? I've heard so many "sad" stories, only to find they have a nicer car than I do or that cable/internet/cell phones are more important than a new coat for their child. Don't get me wrong not trying to judge anyone, but I like to know my help is put where its really needed!

I know that when i help I want it to be for someone who really needs it. I just hate to give someone my hard earned money so they can pay the cable bill. I bet your church could tell you about a family that is in real need.