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For the final installment of New Year’s Resolutions—Served Family Style, we’re exploring ways to give back. No resolution list is complete without the goal of being charitable.

Now that the holidays are well over, your kids are likely enjoying lots of fun one-on-one time with their new toys and games. So your home is probably a little more cluttered, and after stepping on that Lego barefoot, you’re ready to throw every last plaything out into the street. First of all, breathe. The Lego thing will indubitably happen again, sorry to say. Secondly, the clutter and stepping on toys probably means you need to do some cleaning! And not just tidying up or putting on your safe-scrubbing gloves. We’re talking about gathering unwanted and gently used games and toys and donating them! In the spirit of this series, it’s key to involve the kids in this exercise by helping them pick out toys they’ve outgrown or no longer need, then choose from a list of charities to donate to. To add a layer of awesomeness, you could agree on a going-forward toy-trade policy: For every new toy your child gets, an older one is donated.

Donating teaches your kids to share, encourages them to appreciate what they have, and instills the value of giving to those in need. Letting them choose the toys enables them to feel they’re truly the ones doing the good deed. Likewise for picking the charity the toys go to. Offer them a list of ideas to choose from. We recommend local churches, women’s shelters, Goodwill, pediatric wings of hospitals, or nearby preschools. We love the idea of donating to your kid’s former preschool, as the shared history creates greater fulfillment and pride for your child’s good deed. If you happen to have toys unlikely ever to get opened, we absolutely recommend two of our favorite charities, Toys for Tots or My Stuff Bags Foundation. Also important: Have the kids come with you on donation day!

This small and easy exercise not only makes a difference out in the world, but also in your home. No more excess clutter, no more spoiled children (maybe that’s a longshot—but at least you’re going in the right direction). The best part is you’re doing it all together and adding another checkmark on the resolution list!

Now that January is wrapping up and our New Year’s Resolutions—Served Family Style series is complete, we hope we’ve inspired you to add your own productive, family-friendly resolutions to the list. Remember—whatever you do, try to make every moment a learning moment for everyone (including you) while keeping the whole family intrigued, busy, and having fun!