How can I interest my children in volunteerism and philanthropy?

It's never too early to teach a child about the spirit of giving. Here are a few ways to begin the charitable experience:

• Ask for their help when sorting through old clothes, and help your child understand that another child could benefit from the items that no longer fit.
• Make a game of collecting canned goods to give to a local food bank — like who can find the most in the cupboard or who comes up with the most interesting food combination.
• Have your child pick out a toy that's no longer used, and donate it for a child in need. 
• Sign up to make a meal for a homeless shelter — even if your children are too young to participate in serving, often you can make it at home and then drop it off to be served. 
• Increase your child's allowance while at the same time establishing a tradition of giving 10% of the allowance to a charity the child selects. 
• Volunteer as a family.