Give STL Day: Teaching Our Kids What It Means to Show Up for St. Louis

There are a lot of things we try to teach our kids as parents—say “please” and “thank you,” look both ways before crossing the street, and maybe don’t use the couch as a WWE launch pad.

But one lesson that doesn’t always get as much attention? How to give back.

That’s where Give STL Day comes in.

💙 What is Give STL Day?

Organized by the St. Louis Community Foundation, Give STL Day is a 24-hour online giving event that celebrates and supports the nonprofits that make the St. Louis region such a great place to call home.

Over the past decade, it has raised more than $34 million for 1,000+ local nonprofits—which is honestly incredible when you stop and think about it.

The next Give STL Day is May 7, 2026, and it’s a perfect chance to involve the kids in something bigger than themselves.

👨‍👧‍👦 Why This Matters for Dads (and Kids)

Our kids are always watching.

They see how we treat others, how we respond when someone needs help, and how we show up for our community. Give STL Day gives us a built-in moment to model generosity—and maybe even have a conversation that goes deeper than “Did you brush your teeth?”

💡 Simple Ways to Get Kids Involved

Keep it simple. Keep it real.

Let the Kids Pick the Cause
Give them a few options and let them choose where the donation goes.

Need a few ideas? Here are some awesome St. Louis organizations worth checking out:

• 🐾 Stray Rescue of St. Louis – Perfect for animal lovers. They rescue and care for abandoned pets and help them find homes. (Yes, this will absolutely be the one your kids pick.)
• 🥪 Operation Food Search – Helps feed families across the region and fights food insecurity. A great way to talk with kids about helping neighbors in need.
• 🎓 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis – Provides safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for kids to learn and grow.
• 🎨 The Magic House – A favorite for local families that focuses on hands-on learning and creativity for kids.
• 🌳 Forest Park Forever – Helps maintain and improve one of the best free parks in the country (and let’s be honest, probably a place your family has spent some time).

Set a Family Giving Goal
It doesn’t have to be big—just intentional.

Tie it to small tasks:

• Clean your room = $2
• Help with dishes = $1
• Not body-slamming your sibling = bonus contribution

Talk About “Why”
Take a minute to explain what the organization does and why it matters.

Simple works:
“These people help animals find homes.”
“This group helps families get food.”

That’s how empathy starts.

Make It a Tradition
Put it on the calendar every year. Let your kids look forward to it.

Because this is one of those traditions that actually means something.

🌆 A Little Goes a Long Way

One of the best parts about Give STL Day is realizing just how many people are out there doing good work every single day.

You don’t have to solve everything. You don’t need a huge donation.

You just need to show up.

As dads, we think a lot about the kind of world our kids are growing up in.

Give STL Day is a chance to help shape that world—and to show our kids that even small acts of generosity matter.

Plus, if your kids pick the animal rescue and immediately start asking for a dog… just know you’re not alone.