Salvation Army Bell Ringer

This is not the first year that we did this, last year a much more rudimentary  yogurt container and jingle bells were used to solicit money from my husband and I .   I was so pleased when he was just as into it now at 3 and I was able to work in more learning about coins, and why we give money to the Salvation Army. Today when we were out he almost burst with excitement to tell the bell ringer all about the one we made at home!  Have fun.

1. Gather your materials. You will need a large clean plastic tub, some red paper , double stick tape, scissors and some ribbon. For the pretend play you will also need some coins and a bell ( we use a Christmas tree ornament).
2. Start by wrapping the paper around your tub. Use the double stick tape to secure it.
3. Cut out a circle of paper for the top, cut a slit in paper and lid, then tape it on.
4. Poke holes in the sides of the tub ( not the lid).
5. Thread the ribbon through and tie at the top.
6. Grab some coins, a bell and play! 
7. Games you can play: simply follow your child’s lead, ask them to match coins up then deposit them so they have to find 2 pennies then pop them in, make a certain amount of money say 55 cents then pop it in… the sky is the limit. Don’t forget to talk as you play all about why we give money to charities.