The Giving-Jar Project

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” —Luke 6:38, NLT

As each of my grandchildren arrived, I gave them a small Mason jar and, with it, a desire to help nurture their love of giving. This is how the Giving-Jar Project was born. It has been growing, along with each of them, through the years. Here is how it works.

Each time we visit, I give each of them a small white envelope with their name on it. Inside, there are one-dollar bills that range according to their age.

Right now, Warren gets twelve; Brynn, nine; Sienna, six; and Raylee, three. When I arrive, they get their giving jars and sit around the table. I hand out the envelopes, and they count their money to be sure Grandma did not make a mistake (and, of course, when they are small, this helps them learn to count). I tell them they get to choose how much they give and how much they keep. Through the years, it ebbs and flows on who gives and keeps the most. I have, however, seen a trend over the years that my little tribe tends to be high in the giving area, for which I am grateful! At Thanksgiving, we count the money to see what our total is, and the children, along with their parents, Katie and Matt, choose what the money goes toward for that particular year. Last year, they adopted a family of five for Christmas, and because Katie is one of the world’s best shoppers, the family they chose had an absolutely fabulous Christmas.

Often, when people find out about our project, they donate too.

We have caught friends putting money in our jars, and it is wonderful to see how contagious giving can be! We hope you will take this idea and start your own Giving-Jar Project. It may seem like a small thing, but it has made a big difference over the past twelve years as we have seen how God takes our little and turns it into much. We found that giving changes us as well as those to whom we give. Once you catch a glimpse of what your gift can do, as God leads, you will be hooked! We found this to be true, and it is exciting to see how giving really is contagious! It is never too late to start! In fact, there is no better time than now!

Tawny Sportsman