It's Philanthropy

Write the following definition of philanthropy on the board: giving or sharing time, talent, or treasure and taking action for the common good.

Explain that sometimes people need help with the cost of healthy food for themselves or their families. A soup kitchen is a place in the community where people can go for a hot meal for free (or a small fee). Ask, "Do you think it would be a warm and inviting place or a sad place?" Tell them you are going to read a book about a soup kitchen and a person who works there. They can listen for Uncle Willie's attitude and the atmosphere of the soup kitchen. 

Introduce and read the book Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Explain that the soup kitchen is a nonprofit organization. The money to run a soup kitchen might come from donations and grants and the place might be run by volunteers. 

After reading, ask young people to describe Uncle Willie and the atmosphere of the soup kitchen. Encourage them to talk about their feelings about the soup kitchen. Remind them of the definition of philanthropy, and discuss examples of philanthropy in the story.

Introduce the guest volunteer or staff of the local soup kitchen. They can tell the young people about their work and answer questions.

With the guest's assistance, brainstorm a list of needs for the soup kitchen. Discuss how the young people could be philanthropists by helping take action toward addressing these needs.

Thank the volunteer or staff of the soup kitchen for their visit. After the guest leaves, tell the young to write thank-you letters, including a sentence telling what they appreciated about the presentation.