Preschooler's "Bunnies for Japan" Raises Money for Charity

As a mom, I was tempted to shelter my three-year-old from information about the devastating earthquake in Japan. But little ears act like big sponges; they soak up absolutely everything that that encounter. Predictably and understandably, she was upset when she finally recognized that a catastrophe had happened, and that many people were hurt or killed because of it.

Calamities like this are especially hard for children, who feel particularly powerless in the face of a disaster. Taking a cue from an Atlanta six-year-old, I suggested that my daughter sell artwork to raise money for earthquake victims. Her face lit up instantly, and she got to work on the her first picture: "Bunnies for Japan."

My daughter has been drawing rabbits for a long time, so I wasn't surprised that she selected this theme. The rabbits have a simple build-- a few circles and lines-- which makes them easy for a young child to sketch, even with limited fine motor skills.

The original bunny picture was met enthusiastically by my online contacts, so I suggested that my daughter try a few more. She cheerfully and enthusiastically obliged, adding more detail and emotion into each successive drawing.

Just two days later, we have raised nearly $75 for World Vision, an international charity currently supporting earthquake victims in Japan. I believe that this is the start of a viable charity that even the youngest of children can take part in.

I hope that my daughter's altruism can influence other children who are too young to host lemonade stands and door-to-door sales, but too old to simply sit back while thousands perish. If you'd to get involved in Bunnies for Japan or a similar project, here are a few things you can do:

1. Donate directly to World Vision or another nonprofit helping Japan. Ask your child to give all or part of his allowance to encourage the giving spirit.

2. Ask your child to draw bunnies. Whether your child is two or twelve, she can get involved directly in Bunnies for Japan. She can sell them either locally or online. Connect with us on Facebook and we will include your child's sales, auctions and success stories on our page.

3. Bid on Vivian's auctions. Check out my sales on eBay to see if there are any current Bunnies for Japan auctions. When the sale is completed, you will receive an original bunny drawing and a receipt confirming the donation.

4. Connect with other parents. Talk to parents in your community about starting an art sale, lemonade stand, or similar project for children in your child's class or playgroup. If you stick with the bunny theme (which is entirely optional) let us know so we can help to promote it.

5. Spread the word. My goal isn't to spread the word about my daughter's cute drawings. It's to spread the word about the need for international aid, and the importance of involving children in it. Suggest ways that kids and parents in your own community can help people afflicted by the Japanese earthquakes.

Click here to connect with Bunnies for Japan on Facebook, or look for Bunnies for Japan auctions here.