What a fantastic project -
Project Night Night - catchy name and a super way to do something for children in homeless shelters, the entirely inadvertent sufferers of some of the worst consequences of some of the worst difficulties of modern life.
The idea is to fill tote bags (theirs) with a security blanket, age appropriate books, and a stuffed animal. Knowing how much my children and T3CCITW loved/love all things stuffed and readable, I think this is a beyond-wonderful idea. Plus, what a great way to begin to open children's eyes to the world around them and to gently encourage empathy as they collect things for the bags. It's probably wise to refrain from discussing homelessness with
very young children since they are can be good at worrying themselves into a tither without letting their adults in on it, but, done carefully, this could be a good way to start teaching about compassion, understanding, kindness and even the importance of offering thoughtful assistance.
Specific shelters involved with Project Night Night are in California, Florida, Michigan and Ohio but they encourage us to buy totes and fill them appropriately (read the website guidelines) and take them to shelters in our own areas. PNN will gladly provide guidance and, of course, gladly accept donations of funds or cuddly things and books if that feels more comfortable than doing the delivery ourselves.
Labels: children, daily life, ideas
