Classmates, Kittens and Kids for ColoradoGives

Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator

When nine-year-old Jenna received a $20 Giving eCard to use on KidsforColoradoGives.org, she did something remarkable. Rather than donate this money straightaway, she took it to her school so her classmates could join her in experiencing the joy of giving.

“We had a lot of fun,” said Jenna. “We learned about all the charities around here in Colorado. We had no idea there were so many!”

Jenna received the Giving eCard from a Community First Foundation board member, Janet Heck Doyle. The Foundation recently launched KidsforColoradoGives.org, an online giving site for kids.

“I thought a lot about who to give the eCard to since I don’t have young kids,” said Janet. “I knew Jenna from the Rotary Club and thought, ‘What better way to use this than to introduce her family to the site?’ Little did I know it would mean introducing a whole classroom to KidsforColoradoGives.org.”

KidsforColoradoGives.org is a kid-friendly companion site to ColoradoGives.org, a popular local giving website nearing its tenth year. KidsforColoradoGives.org features videos narrated by kids that explain the purpose of nonprofits, why they need donations and how to choose one to support.

In class, Jenna’s teacher, Mrs. Langowski, helped the students narrow their focus to animal organizations in their neighborhood. The students let out a collective “Aww” when Mrs. Langowski pulled up Evergreen Animal Protection League on the website. “It had pictures of kittens and puppies and everyone was pretty much hooked,” said Jenna.

Jenna donated again with her mom, Mendhi, later that evening. “Jenna has a big heart for animals and the environment,” said Mendhi. “Kids for ColoradoGives is showing her how to get involved now, but it’s also giving her ideas for what she could do when she grows up.”

Kids for ColoradoGives is a memorable activity for families to introduce children to the joy of giving. You can purchase Giving eCards for children in your life to redeem on KidsforColoradoGives.org.

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