THE KIDS’ BIG GIVE KEEPS ON GIVING

WAITSBURG - Most parents want to teach their children compassion and generosity, but it's often difficult to involve young children in service ministries. That's what led Jamie Gleason and Angela Jones to organize The Kids' Big Give last Thanksgiving.

Both mothers wanted to serve alongside their children, teaching them the joy of giving in a practical way. That project, which was initially intended to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for two families, took a life of its own. Dozens of local families pitched in to provide meals for 20 families - a total of 89 people. And that was just the beginning. Jones has since moved from the area, but The Kids' Big Give is still going strong.

Gleason said she has been blown away at the support from the community. At Christmas, local families acted as "Secret Santas" and sponsored 32 children. The Give was organized so that the recipients believed that the gifts came directly from their parents (or Santa) and not from charity.

"We had lists of suggested gifts for each child, but some sponsors went out and bought everything on the list! We gave lots of clothes and shoes and even a laptop," said Gleason.

Families also made cookies and kids joined together in delivering them door-to-door to the elderly, which was a hit. "They were so appreciative!" said Gleason. "They kept trying to pay the kids and we kept having to tell them, 'We just want to bless you.'"

In April, the Give put together 30 boy and girl-themed Easter baskets, each filled with treats and a Bible. As quickly as needs for baskets, Bibles and treats were posted on the Give's Facebook page, eager donors jumped in with offers to fill them.

"The biggest thing is keeping the kids involved," said Gleason. Children helped their parents shop for treats and came to her home to help fill the baskets.

Gleason says she has not only been surprised by the support of the community, but also by some of the people who have stepped up to lend a hand. "People have told me that they have always wanted to do something like this," she said. "But if they're not part of a church or other organization, they haven't known how to go about it. Since we're not part of a specific group, they feel like they can get involved."

The project has also strengthened the community as a whole as people work together and get to know one another better. "I've personally made a couple of really good friends just through this project," said Gleason. "Everyone is welcome. We're 100% community based and not funded by any group." Communication and project updates take place through The Kid's Big Give 2014 Facebook page.

The Give is currently in the process of collecting school supplies. Gleason posted the lists of supplies requested by Waitsburg school classrooms on the Give's Facebook page and a collection bin has been placed at Waitsburg Grocery for people to drop off donations. Families who need help or individuals who know of families who could use assistance are requested to message Gleason on Facebook.

"I know there are families that can use help and feel uncomfortable asking for it. I'm not sure what to do about that, though," said Gleason. Any donations that are unclaimed will be donated directly to the school.

Gleason said her strength is organizing and she is already looking ahead to Thanksgiving, which was the Give's largest undertaking to date. With Jones gone she said she's looking for a new right hand man, but that several people have stepped forward to offer. "We'll keep it going as long as people want to help," she said. So far, that hasn't been a problem.