A Child Can Make a Difference

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Sometimes dreams
really can come true! May 8th - 11th, 2000, my daughter and I traveled
to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, because of a dream my daughter,
Amanda, has to make a difference in this world. Amanda (then a 6th
grader) entered McDonald's Millennium Dreamer contest and told them
about her contributions to the humane society and her dream of making
the world a better place for animals. Amanda's dream is to help
homeless pets find homes, and she makes this dream a reality by writing
a newsletter and donating all her profits to the humane society. Her
entry won her and a parent an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World to
meet with other Millennium Dreamers from all over the world. 2,000 kids
were chosen in all--1,000 from the U.S., and 1,000 from 90 other
countries. The kids' accomplishments were recognized in an awards
ceremony where Christopher Reeves and the CEO of McDonald's corporation
were among the key note speakers. Each congratulated the kids on all
they have done and encouraged them to continue their efforts,
emphasizing the fact that their contributions are the key to our
future. One of the most exciting parts of the trip was trading pins
with the kids from other countries. Amanda came home with pins from
Germany, South Africa, Israel, Korea, U.K., and Indonesia, just to name
a few. The kids were given free passes to all the theme parks and
treated to firework shows, parties, and lots of other entertainment. It
was quite an event! Fun as well as inspirational.

So
what does all this have to do with you? Your child, too, can make a
difference! The majority of the children who participated in the
Millennium Dreamers event were between the ages of 8- 12. These kids
each had one thing in common. They have a dream. Everyone has dreams.
It's just a matter of whether or not they're ever acted upon. Most
children have big dreams there's no way they could materialize on their
own. This is where you come in. And I don't mean step in and try to
fulfill their dreams for them. That would take up every minute of every
day! Just be there for your kids and listen to their dreams. Encourage
them to reach out to those around them and make a difference in the
world. The younger children learn this the better...selfless children
turn into selfless teenagers and then empowered adults. Involving your
children in the community keeps them out of trouble and teaches them
life-long skills in responsibility and how to work with others.
Children do not learn these skills on their own. When your child asks
you to donate food and toys to a local food drive or charity, give
willingly and help them spend some of their own money or give away some
of their own toys to help out. Most children love being able to give
what little they have to others.

One Millennium Dreamer
was too young to ride in the local bike-a-thon to raise money for
charity, so he organized his own neighborhood bike-a-thon for kids and
has raised more than $4,000 to help fight cancer. One girl was saddened
to see foster kids moving from house to house with their belongings in
garbage bags. She started going to yard sales to find duffel bags for
them to carry their belongings in and now adds a stuffed animal and
personal note from her in each. A large corporation heard about what
she is doing and now donates all the duffel bags she can give away.
Another boy was sad to see kids who couldn't afford school supplies and
started going around to office supply stores asking for donations.
Office Depot soon became his corporate sponsor and now donates all the
office supplies he needs.

Opportunities are out there
wherever you look. See if your community has an office that organizes
volunteer efforts in your area. The next time your child comes up with
a great idea to make a contribution to your community, give it a chance
and help them out. You'll be amazed at the gradual changes in your
child as you continually encourage these ideas. Our children are
tomorrow's future. Help them help us make this world a better place to
live!

About the Author

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer, mom, and owner of four home and family web sites. For complete resources for the Christian home, visit her web site at http://www.Christian-Parent.com.

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