Sorting Silverware and Saving the World

We all have tasks around the house that we do not like. For some it is vacuuming or laundry or cleaning toilets. For me it is sorting the silverware. When emptying the dishwasher, I first put away all the plates, cups and bowls. The giant basket of forks, knives and spoons seems to say, “Not done yet!”

I sigh and then slot away all the utensils and silverware. The job is done, until the next time.

Then inspiration struck.

It began with my grandchildren (as do many good things). I asked them to help. I put them on a chair, stand by his or her side, and guide them as they figure out where each item goes. We got the job done. And it was fun for them and me.

 I decided to reward them with a dollar for their efforts. I also told them they should save it for college. Of course that means they have to sort my silverware 65,000 times just to cover an average tuition cost but that’s not the point. The point was learning the value of work being responsible.

Then another inspiration struck.

I receive lots of  requests for a charities for children in the mail. I get them frequently and contribute to some regularly. One featured children’s favorite foods and that $10 or $15 would feed them.

I showed the picture of children in need to my grandchildren and suggested that maybe we could give some or all of our silverware money to these kids for the next month.

Their reaction was amazing. Five little heads nodded. The sorters, ages 6,5,5,3 and 3 eagerly took to the task.

As I placed the dollar bill in their hands I would ask them if they wanted to put their pay in the envelope for the children in need. When they said yes, they would cheer for each other.

Sometimes they wanted to keep the money and that was okay. Sometimes they split their donation, especially if it was a $2 job.

Often I had to create tasks for them – like folding dish towels and sweeping the floor.

It was my hope that the grandkids would have an extra experience in doing good for others through this month-long event. I wanted them to learn the importance of charity and appreciate what they have.

But as I watched them I realized that I was learning a lot from this fund raising effort. I learned:

• Giving feels good – most of the time. Sometimes, though, you just want to slip a dollar into your new Velcro, dinosaur wallet. Giving can be hard.
• Active charity is important whether it be baking a cake, dropping off canned goods or sorting silverware to make cash for someone.
• Charity is contagious. Each grandchild was inspired by another to do good.
• Charity needs to be modeled. I put in some of my own dollar bills at the end to show that I was willing to give too.
• You can save the world, or at least a little part of it, if you chip away with good works and good will.

We ended up raising $35 and helped some children. A good month, a good lesson and a lot of silverware sorted.