Events

Full Circle

Raising Caring Kids

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!

Even in the rain, Full Circle was a success! On Saturday, Oct. 13th, 150 children and parents gathered on Needham Town Common for Circle of Hope’s third annual family volunteer event. Kids had a great time decorating donation bags and savings banks, filling Dignity Bags, and completing other activities to help homeless individuals and families. THANK YOU to everyone who attended!

About Full Circle

In 2016, Circle of Hope kicked off our first-ever family event, Full Circle. This fun event gives parents the opportunity to begin important conversations with their young children about homelessness and service to others. Full Circle attendees have the opportunity to pick up a helpful guide called "How to Talk to Your Child About Homelessness and Poverty," which can be found here:

How to Talk to your Child about Homelessness and Poverty by Laurie F. Konowitz, M.D., neonatologist and board certified pediatrician [PDF]

At Full Circle, each child receives a "Passport of Giving" and moves through different stations, completing activities meant to help homeless adults and kids in Boston and Metro West. Some of the stations are described below.

"Basics Brigade" - Here, children are asked to assemble "Dignity Bags" full of important toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. Circle of Hope volunteers deliver these bags to homeless individuals living in our partner shelters.
"Collection Corner" - At this station, kids decorate their own donation jars to take home. They can save up money to donate to Circle of Hope at a later date. We recommend making these donations on Giving Tuesday, which takes place on Nov. 27 this year, to extend the spirit of giving throughout the fall.
"Appreciation Station" - Children have the opportunity to decorate flags depicting things they are grateful for in their own lives. This station gives families the chance to think about and express gratitude together, and the flags are hung around the Common during the event.
"Winter Warmup" - At this station, participants create bundles of winter hats, mittens, scarves, and socks for homeless children.
"Bundle Up" - Here, kids decorate their own donation bags to take home. They can gather their own gently-used clothing and shoes to donate to Circle of Hope. Like the donation jars, we recommend making this donation on Giving Tuesday!
"I've Got Your Back" - At this station, kids decorate backpacks and fill them with winter essentials like hand warmers, emergency blankets, and socks. These items help homeless adults prepare for the cold months ahead.