Story: Charity

December arrived, and with this month came the good intentions of the Marín family, especially Milagros, a seven-year-old girl, their only daughter. She was named Milagros because her mother miraculously became pregnant with her. Doctors had told her that they couldn’t have children, but when she managed to defy science and become pregnant, their world took a complete turn.

The family went all out to care for and protect the girl. At her maternal grandmother’s house, she was also the only granddaughter, lacking nothing and having an abundance of everything. However, despite the love they had for her, the parents were not blind to the education she was receiving, and one of their greatest fears was that she would grow up to be a selfish and uncharitable child, someone unconcerned about others. Therefore, the parents and grandparents wanted to make December more meaningful and different. They wanted Milagros, more than just receiving, to give to others, teaching her the value and joy of giving to those in need. And not just giving anything, but giving the best of each person. They had a very important dialogue with their daughter, and the plan was to gift clothes, donate what is not being used but is in good condition to the needy. The parents started by giving away clothes they no longer wore and asked Milagros if she wanted to help. Immediately, Milagros happily agreed. When the parents finished, they asked the girl if she wanted to do the same, and she happily said to her parents, «Of course!» They chose clothes in good condition that were too small for her or that she didn’t feel very comfortable wearing. The parents said they were going to give away some items from the bedroom, study, and kitchen that they no longer used and invited her to give away toys she no longer played with. To distract her from feeling pressured or demotivated, Milagros said she was tired and wouldn’t participate. So, to avoid her feeling pressured or demotivated, the parents said, «You’re right, let’s do it tomorrow!»

The next day, they invited Milagros to a shelter to deliver clothes and groceries to the neediest people. She felt joy at seeing that she could help others. The feeling of being able to give brought her more happiness than receiving. When they returned home, Milagros said to her parents, «Well, now it’s time to get to work!» to give away toys she doesn’t use. The mother told her, «Very well, Milagros,» and reminded her again not to give away damaged things but to donate what is still good but no longer wanted. They filled two large bags with toys, bought some more, and took toys and sweets to a foundation for orphaned boys and girls. For Milagros, it was the best Christmas, so unforgettable that as she grew older, she became more motivated to support others and show charity to those most in need.


**Do you know what charity is? If you’re not very clear about the definition, look it up in the dictionary or on the internet.**

**Have you ever been charitable to someone? Tell us about your experience.**

**Has someone been charitable to you or your family? If you don’t know, ask an adult to tell you and share the anecdote.**

**If you were in Milagros’s shoes, would you also give away your clothes and toys, or would you refuse?**

**Do you think Milagros’s parents shouldn’t talk to her like this but simply give away what the girl no longer needs? Justify your answer.**

**Do you agree that a child should be given so many things as a way of compensating for being born? Justify.**