We often hear that “children are the future.” At the Special Education Foundation (SEF), we believe that future is shaped by the values we nurture today — compassion, kindness, inclusion, and generosity.

When children learn the joy of giving back early in life, they grow into adults who understand the power of community. That’s why encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism in young people — with and without disabilities — is such an important part of building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Here are a few meaningful ways to help kids get involved in giving back this season and in the spirit of SEF’s mission:

Give Together & Make Giving a Tradition

When giving becomes part of your family’s routine, it becomes a lifelong habit. Donations don’t have to be large to make an impact — and involving children in the process helps them understand generosity on a personal level.

Encourage your kids to set aside a small portion of their allowance or choose a toy, book, or donate through SEF’s Critical Needs program or Coat Drive. When children see that even a simple act — like giving a coat to a classmate in need — can change someone’s day, they begin to understand what kindness truly means.

Create Small Acts of Kindness

Not every act of giving has to be big. Have your children make cards for students in SSD classrooms, put together small care packages for teachers, or share thank-you notes with school staff. These gestures remind children that giving is about thoughtfulness, not size.

Celebrate Inclusion

Help children understand that every person, regardless of ability, has value and something to give. Attend an SEF celebration, like the Inspiring Futures Event or Starfish Awards event, where students with disabilities and educators are honored for their achievements and for making a difference in the lives of others.

Seeing peers and their teachers being celebrated shows children that inclusion and respect are powerful ways to give back.

At the Special Education Foundation, we see the impact of giving every day — in classrooms, at events, and in the faces of the students we serve. When children grow up understanding the joy of helping others, they don’t just change one life — they help build a more caring, inclusive community for everyone.

 Learn more about how your family can get involved at sef-stl.org.