Had to run over to the local Safeway this morning to get bread so my son would have lunch today.  I didn’t realize that I would get a lesson in generosity too!  While checking out, I got the standard pitch from the cashier (who I believe was the local manager) about donating $10 to the local Food Bank.  I mumbled something (hadn’t had my coffee yet) about it being a great cause that we are supporting at my son’s school by bringing in canned food.  When he said he would match my gift, he got my attention (and my donation too!).  He talked about how important the food bank was to those less fortunate in the community and that he hoped his match would get others to give.    I bet he will be successful.  Call it the contagion of generosity; when you see others being so generous and committed it is easy to follow.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it might be good to share stories like this with your students so they understand how money can be used to help others.

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.