Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Milwaukee, WI

I was just reflecting upon how last Christmas season, presents seemed to be a pleasant surprise for my then almost-three year old. Sort of like he was thinking, really? I get present? How fun!

This year at almost-four it's become a time of  I-want-that or Can-we-buy-that or I'm-asking-Santa for that. I've been wracking my brain to think of age appropriate ideas on ways to incorporate the spirit of giving back into this holiday.

One activity my son and I do together is grocery shopping. With the food collection barrells at the end of the store I've been picking up one or two items during our trip and making sure he understands we are picking them up for families who need help, to make them feel happy and so they know we care about them. I make sure and give him the job of placing the food in the barrells so he can participate and feel like he is doing his part as well.

I'm not sure he completely gets it, but it's a start.

If you are looking for other areas or groups in need and would like to find a way to volunteer time or goods and services you can visit OnMilwaukee.Com. 

This is the sixth year of the OnMilwaukee.com Wish List. Stone Creek Coffee is also supporting the Wish List by spreading the word through their eight area locations and network of non-profits and businesses. The wish list they have published connects Metro Milwaukee hard-working organizations with items that will help them achieve their mission.