The holiday season is one of the best opportunities to teach children and teens the values of kindness, generosity, and community. At ADWO Behavioral Services, we work daily with youth who thrive when given opportunities to help others, connect with their community, and build social-emotional skills. Including young people in meaningful giving activities not only creates lasting holiday memories — it strengthens character, encourages empathy, and helps them feel like an important part of something bigger.
Whether your child is in a residential home, after-school program, therapy setting, or your own family environment, involving them in holiday giving can have a powerful impact. Below are five practical, meaningful, and inclusive waysto help young people serve their community this season.
Simple acts can make a big difference. One of the easiest and most impactful activities is creating handmade holiday cards.
Why It Works:
Who to Give Cards To:
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Adults and teens often enjoy hands-on service activities. A Holiday Wish Box is a small care package filled with essentials or festive items.
Items to Include:
Families can assemble these at home, while after-school and residential programs can turn this into a group project.
Why It Matters:
A Wish Box helps young people understand the needs of others while giving them the joy of creating something special for someone their age.
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The holidays bring many chances to serve — food distributions, clothing drives, community meals, and more.
Benefits of Volunteering for Young People:
At ADWO Behavioral Services, our programs regularly participate in community outreach events, giving children and teens safe and structured ways to serve others during the holiday season.
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Families looking for deeper meaning in the holidays can choose to “give a gift of service” instead of one physical present. This teaches young people that generosity doesn’t always come from the wallet — sometimes it comes from the heart.
Examples of Service Gifts:
This simple tradition encourages reflection, gratitude, and mindful giving.
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Reflection is a powerful tool—especially for children and teens working through emotional or behavioral challenges. During the holidays, take time to talk about gratitude and generosity.
Prompts You Can Use:
Residential homes, after-school programs, and families can turn this into a weekly group activity. Reflection builds emotional awareness, improves communication, and helps young people feel supported.
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At ADWO Behavioral Services, we believe every young person has the potential to lead, care, and contribute positively to their community. Involving children and teens in holiday giving:
The holidays become more meaningful when young people feel ownership and pride in their ability to help others.
Across Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, and our global outreach programs, ADWO continues to:
When our youth participate in acts of giving, they experience healing, growth, and a stronger sense of identity.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, donating, or participating in our upcoming holiday events, visit our Get Involved page or contact our team.
This holiday season, let’s raise a generation of givers.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or supporter, there are countless ways to help young people build compassion and community.
Together, we can make the holidays brighter for every child.
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