Learning to donate money means learning to be a responsible citizen. You can use your money to help your community, country, or world. You can donate your time or money to people and places you want to help. You can donate to groups that help children, the environment, or victims of disaster. Many people also contribute to their church, synagogue, or mosque. WHY DONATE? Because it feels good knowing that someone who really needs help is getting it because of YOU. Besides, every one of us is a giver and a receiver. Sometimes we give (like when a friend doesn't have anything for lunch and we share a sandwich with them); and sometimes we receive (maybe a friend helps us understand our math homework after school one day). It's no accident that DONATE begins with the letters D - O. That's right - donate begins with DO! You already know how good it feels to donate...How do you feel when you help your mom or dad around the house? How do you feel when you tell someone a joke and make them laugh? How do you when you give someone your sandwich at lunch? We ALL know how it feels to donate - and it feels good! You can donate your time by raking your neighbor's leaves, working at a local food pantry or helping out at a senior citizen's home. Or you can donate your money. First, set an amount of money you'd like to donate - a GIVING GOAL - and start putting some of your money in your DONATE jar or in the DONATE slot of your Money Savvy Pig. Then, collect information about different charities you are interested in. Finally, do your homework - read about the charity, pay a visit, and go on the Internet. Visit the web site for the Better Business Bureau, to make sure the charity you're interested in is in good standing. When you have reached your DONATE goal, ask your parents to help you send your money to the charity you have chosen. It will feel really good. No one can tell you exactly how much money you should give, but remember: donating comes from the heart. So follow your heart!