FUN HOUSE
Accounting for every cent donated
In an attempt to teach my kids about the joy of giving, we package and send "shoebox gifts" to needy children overseas through our church each Christmas. I have my kids choose the items that are placed in the shoeboxes, such as toiletries, books, candy and toys — things my kids take for granted, but other kids don't have.
Recently we were looking at a newsletter from the Christian organization called Samaritan's Purse. In it were photos of children in other countries who received shoebox gifts like the ones we sent. In the middle of the magazine was an envelope for donations.
I explained to my 5-year-old son, Alex, that some people like to put money in the envelope so it can be used to buy life's necessities for these underprivileged children.
With a furrowed brow, Alex looked me in the eye and solemnly asked, "But, will they send back the change?"
— Laurie Okawa Moore, Kane'ohe
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