WEST HARTFORD -- They may not know the exact meaning of Giving Tuesday, but kids as young as 2 and 3 were hard at working making dog treats for area shelters.
Michelle Fontaine, director of Early Childhood at Solomon Schechter Day School, said the holiday was a perfect fit to teach kids about giving, especially considering little kids' love for animals.
“This morning we watched a video of the dogs at the shelter and things were just naturally and organically coming from them like, 'Oh, those are the dogs that are gonna get our treats,'” said Fontaine.
Second- and fifth-graders, however, know exactly what Giving Tuesday is, and how it follows the materialistic holiday sof Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Ari, a fifth-grader said, “Everyone is just thinking about themselves and lower prices, so then Giving Tuesday is thinking about other people.”
The group of kids also wanted to give back to police and firefighters who risk their lives on the job.
Alex, a second-grader, said, “They help us and we give thanks for them.”
“They serve us without getting anything back, so then now they're getting these delicious cookies,” added Ari.
For those who've never given back on Giving Tuesday, or ever really given back over the holiday season, the kids have some advice:
“Maybe try and do it if they can do it,” said Alex.
“It's very fun and it also makes you feel good,” Ari said.
