LESSON GOAL

BY THE END OF THIS LESSON,

you’ll learn how to choose a cause or project to support with your Share bucket. You’ll think about what matters most to you and discover how to make a real difference in your community or the world — even as a kid!

💬 let’s break it down

You’ve got a Share bucket. You’ve learned you can give your time, money, or gifts. But here’s the next step:
👉 Who do you want to help?

There are so many people, animals, and causes in the world that could use some kindness. Picking a cause helps your giving have a purpose — and helps you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.

Here are a few causes you could support:

🐶 Animal shelters
🌱 Environmental projects
🍽️ Feeding the hungry
📚 Donating school supplies
💗 Helping kids in hospitals
🎁 Supporting families during the holidays

You can also support small, everyday projects like:

Helping your neighbor mow the lawn
Making care kits for unhoused people
Donating books to a local library

The best cause is the one that you care about.
When you give with your heart, it means more — to you and the person you’re helping.

🧠 ANALOGY: Choosing a Cause is Like Picking a Superpower

There are all kinds of superheroes. Some fly. Some heal. Some grow plants. 🌿
Each one uses their special strength to help in their own way.

You’re a hero too — and the cause you pick is how you choose to use your kindness superpower.

🤔 critical thinking questions

What makes you feel sad, angry, or hopeful when you hear about it?

If you could help fix one problem in the world, what would it be?

What talents do you have that could help a cause you care about?

How does choosing a cause make giving feel more meaningful?

✍️ journal entry: “I Care Because…”

Think about something or someone you want to help. Write about:

What it is
Why it matters to you
How you could help (with time, money, or a gift)

Then write one sentence that starts with:
“I care because…”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ACTIVITY WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS: Find Your Family Cause

What You’ll Need:

Paper and markers
Your family, sibling, or friend
Access to local ideas (community bulletin board, church, school, etc.)

What to Do:

Talk together about what matters to each of you.
Make a list of causes or local projects you could support.
Vote on one to help this month — it could be as simple as cleaning up a park or donating to a food drive.
Make a plan and do it together!

🎯 What This Teaches: Giving becomes more powerful when it’s tied to what matters to you — and when you work together, the impact gets even bigger.