The Archer Family – Caleb, Rebecca, Neriah, 9, Levi, 7, and Malachi, 6 – always look for ways to serve the community, whether in mobile soup kitchens, youth groups, building mobile libraries for rural communities, or community building. As educators, Rebecca and Caleb help to develop service programs in schools through both the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and the IB Service as Action programs. They believe that giving back as a family encourages gratitude for what we have and a desire to share their resources to make the world a better place.
Caleb
Giving back increases our understanding that we are in a place of privilege to be able to help others when we could easily have been born into a situation where we would be on the receiving end. It also makes us more thoughtful of how we spend our money.
Rebecca
The Clothing Auction Network has been my biggest volunteering project. It provides a community to women, raises money for charities, and promotes sustainable fashion. As part of WellWomen, we give generously in our WeChat community groups to support, encourage, and inspire people, which has been so important over the last year.
Levi, 7
I like it when we pick up rubbish because then it makes the environment very clean and healthy for all of us. We plant lots of trees so they can help to take away the pollution and make more and more plants.
Neriah, 9
I enjoy helping other people and hanging out together while we do it. It makes people happier. Sometimes hard jobs seem easier when you have a good time.
Malachi, 6
I planted lots of plants. It made me feel good because that place might not have enough trees. There were also hot dogs.
KEEP READING: Habits For Humanity: Books to Nourish Gratitude in Children
Photos: Uni You
This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 December issue
