KidsGiving is a special project of the Taylor Elementary PTA, in cooperation with AFAC, to teach kids philanthropy and civic engagement through volunteering, education, and giving. The Kidsgiving Chair works with AFAC and other Arlington non-profits to come up with monthly activities and events for Taylor students. Students who complete at least 3 activities and make a personal donation of their own money receive a special certificate of appreciation at the end of the year.

KIDSGIVING IS BACK FOR 2023-2024!

Register your student to become a KidsGiving member by filling out the form at this link: tinyurl.com/TaylorKidsGiving2023 

MARCH EVENT:

About this month’s non-profit organization: AFAC’s mission is to feed our neighbors in need by providing dignified access to supplemental nutritious groceries. AFAC currently delivers over 80,000 pounds of food each week via their distribution services and deliveries to over 3,700 Arlington families who qualify every week. AFAC depends on hundreds of volunteers (just like us!) to reduce hunger in Arlington. 

We can help our friends at AFAC in a variety of ways and below we have outlined opportunities this month for your child to participate with age appropriate learning, volunteering & giving for this month.

1. Donating non-perishable food items at Taylor We will collect food donations Monday, March 4th - Tuesday, March 12th.  We are also continuing our Taylor Tradition, making this collection a friendly competition between grades! The grade that collects the most food items will win a special surprise. Food bins for each grade will be placed in the Taylor lobby. We hope everyone will consider taking some time to collect/purchase items to donate from their homes, neighbors or the grocery store.  

What to collect & donate: Please note ONLY non-perishable items and unexpired items are to be collected and please absolutely NO GLASS items. Please donate items low fat & low sodium items such as:

  • Cereal

  • Peanut butter (in plastic jars only)

  • Canned vegetables and beans

  • Canned tuna or chicken

  • Canned tomato products (NO GLASS!)

  • Canned soups

2. Educational meet up: after school from 3:55 - 4:30 pm Tuesday, March 12th at Taylor in classroom 118. 

Please RSVP & register to attend on 3/12: see meeting specifics and sign up using this link.

Details & directions: Come listen & learn about all AFAC does in our community. Following a short educational lesson we will create a banner for AFAC to hang around the food pantry/distribution center. We do request that parents/or a caretaker join their students participating in our after-school events, but exceptions can be made for kids attending extended day if you coordinate with us and extended day in advance. In accordance with APS policies and to ensure the safety of all students, staff and other visitors, parents/grown-ups entering the school for a volunteer activity with children must complete an APS Volunteer Application Form in advance of attending a KidsGiving meeting/activity at Taylor. No exceptions.

3. Giving: AFAC feeds thousands of people each week and in addition to non-perishable food donations also needs financial support to buy perishable items and support their operations. If you would like to make a direct financial contribution to them, you can do that here.