We have a longstanding partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a non-profit dedicated to supporting research for childhood cancer - a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. Your Little Sleepies purchases help us make a donation and in turn, make an impact.

ALSF also teaches children about the importance of giving back. Here are some ways to get involved this holiday.

• Host a lemonade stand. Lemonade is a special treat 12 months a year. Take it inside if you’re in a colder climate or set-up a booth outside. Brainstorm locations with your kids and make a plan.
• Make a direct donation. Talk to your kids about ALSF and how it helps sick kids. Consider matching any donation your kids make - finding 10 cents to donate is a powerful message!
• Here are some other creative ideas on how to raise funds for this incredible organization.

This year celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For many of you, this is a familiar holiday giving opportunity, with small and large businesses in communities throughout the nation participating.

Find a location accepting donations and take your kids shopping - for someone else! Let them pick out a toy they love and talk about the joy this toy will bring to another child.

This charity is a familiar one for many of us. The Salvation Army supports local communities during the holiday, and especially those impacted this year by hurricanes.

Support their Red Kettle Campaign by donating cash and coins at any red kettle across the country. Help your kids build a little treasure of coins to donate the next time they see a red kettle volunteer.

In 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs to help put food on the table. Every community faces hunger and families that may seem to have what they need, may be struggling to feed their kids.

With Feeding America, you and your family can help in many ways -- from volunteering at a food bank to hosting your own virtual fundraiser. If you have the space and ability, host your own food drive and encourage your neighbors, family, friends, and network to donate food over a few days. Let your kids organize the food and teach them about the impact this will make for families in your community.

Get the entire family involved by helping a military family this holiday season. Some military families spend their holidays away from loved ones and separated from their communities. Operation Christmas Spirit helps anyone bring the joy of the holiday season to our troops who sacrifice so much for our country.

The organization has a few options for giving - toy donation for children in military families, adopt-a-family programs to support entire families, and the chance to curate gifts for single service members. Your kids will love curating and packaging gifts for others with these campaigns.

Your church, school, and grocery store may host their own giving campaigns. Tell your kids about the toy drive or the day you’re singing carols at the assisted living home, and bring them along. Seeing others with needs and giving back is an incredible holiday gift.

The holidays can be a challenging time for many people. You and your family can give back directly to those in your community with these small acts of kindness.

• Bake and deliver cookies to a sick neighbor or a single parent. Add a homemade card from your kids.
• Bring your kid along to help shovel snow for an elderly neighbor. It’s so easy to show kids that a small effort goes a long way.
• Run errands for an ailing neighbor that can’t drive or is facing hardship. Your kids will love picking out items for someone else.
• Deliver flowers to daycare staff, postal workers, and other people working hard serving the community during the holidays.
• Donate books and toys your kids no longer need to a local shelter, Boys & Girls Club of America, or local family.
• Let someone skip the line this holiday season. This small gesture can help a busy mom or elderly person with their day. And your kid will learn a tremendous lesson.
• Purchase gifts from a brand that gives back. Like Little Sleepies, many retailers give a portion of their sales to charities. Find small businesses in your community donating to organizations helping people in need.

The holiday season is such a special time of year to create new memories with your kids. Include ways to give back in your holiday family traditions. Spread the good cheer by sharing your holiday charity and giving traditions. How do you get your entire family, especially your kids, involved in the spirit of giving? Share below or post on our Facebook VIP Group.