Four Gifts of Joy That Change Lives – And How You Can Help

Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season, that not only brings joy to the receiver but also to children around the world? With Gifts of Joy, your purchase can do just that! Here are four perfect gifts that make a real difference, along with stories of how they’ve positively changed lives. 

 

1. Emergency Food: A life-saving gift

During crisis, children like Ali* and Ahmed* in Gaza do not get enough food to eat. Save the Children and partner organization distributed food parcels to the brother’s family who were living in temporary accommodations. The food parcels contained sugar, tinned food, utensils, plates, napkins, olive oil, jam, tahini, tea bags, dates, and spices.

With this gift you can help children like Ali and Ahmed receive food during conflict and war, and other life-threatening crises. 

Gift of Joy $50: Emergency Food 

 

2.Educate a Girl: A gift for lifelong learning

Twelve-year-old Fardowsa* lives in Ethiopia and attends a Save the Children-supported school. She is also a young activist working to put an end to child marriage in her community, where girls are often forced to drop out of school or into a child marriage. “My message to girls getting married early is to remember that it has no advantage for you. It is better to focus on your education and your own life,” says Fardowsa. In Ethiopia and other countries, drought, food shortages, and ongoing conflict leave families struggling to support themselves.

Your gift can help girls like Fardowsa avoid child marriage and help them stay in school by providing cash grants to their families, along with books and school supplies. 

Gift of Joy $75: Educate a Girl 

 

3. Seeds and Tools: The gift of sustainable income

Ten-year-old Rashel* lives with his mother and father in Bangladesh in a community prone to flooding, which puts their crops at risk. With help from Save the Children, the family received seeds, tools, and agriculture training so they could grow their own vegetable garden. “My mother sells these to buy me books. Then, my father sells these on the market and earns money,” says Rashel.  

 

With plentiful crops of vegetables including beans, green beans, and bananas, the family can sell the produce and have a steady income.   

Gift of Joy $75: Seeds and Tools 

 

 

4.Mental Health Support: the gift of wellness

Indigenous children in Canada can experience challenges to their mental health due to systemic and cultural discrimination. Children in Cat Lake First Nation took part in an initiative supported by a

community partner and Save the Children, focused on healing through the arts. The children, ages 8-14, learned how to write and produce a song about love, togetherness, family, and connection to nature. The project helped young people to overcome trauma, build resilience and emotional wellbeing, while amplifying their voices, stories and perspectives of life as an empowered Indigenous young person.

This gift will support a child through similar local mental health programs that are culturally sensitive and grounded in Indigenous knowledge. 

Gift of Joy $100: Mental Health Support 

 

These are just a few examples of how Gifts of Joy can make a positive change in the lives of children. No matter the gift, it can bring hope to those who need it the most. 

This holiday season consider adding Gifts of Joy to your shopping list and spread joy by giving a gift that changes lives. 

Explore more meaningful gifts here.

*names changed to protect privacy