My friend Sarrisa planted the compassion seed in her kids many holiday seasons ago, well before their teenage years.

Every year, her family does something different to help those in need.

This December, the family handed out McDonald’s gift cards to a group of homeless people living near a bridge on the banks of the Missouri River. The year before, the kids bought toiletries and personal items for the homeless.

Their contributions didn’t require a lot of money — just a realization that many people struggle to get by day to day and that a simple act of kindness can make a difference. Moreover, it’s not just a Christmas check-off-the-box commitment. Their charitable giving is year-round.

If you’re trying to instill the gift of giving in your kids during this season of getting, it’s never too early to start. Kids love to help. Here are some philanthropic strategies for the entire family.

Parents can start by matching their kids’ personal interests to the world around them. There are scores of nonprofit organizations devoted to causes that kids of all ages can relate to.

For example, if your kids are interested in science and astronomy, check out the International Dark-Sky Association (www.darksky.org). This Tucson, Ariz.-based organization works to protect night skies from light pollution.

Then there’s She Jumps, a Salt Lake City organization (www.shejumps.org) that promotes initiatives aimed at increasing participation of girls and women in outdoor activities.

If your kids want to fight hunger and poverty around the world, they can donate a sheep, goat or a dairy cow in honor of you or their grandparents through Heifer International (www.heifer.org).

The Little Rock charitable group has been helping impoverished families in more than 25 countries since 1944. For example, kids can contribute $50 that goes toward a share of a heifer or $500 for an entire cow.

If you have older children, talk to them about cause-based marketing; shop at retailers that support causes or make products that are socially or environmentally friendly and fit their teenage agendas.

Give the gift of time. Your kids can volunteer by working at a food bank, going through their closet and contributing clothing that no longer fits, or collecting toys to give away that they no longer play with. If you have neighbors who are elderly, encourage your kids to offer their services to play board games, work on jigsaw puzzles, shovel the driveway or run errands.

Create a family endowment fund. So-called donor-advised funds can be set up at community foundations and at many investment firms and banks.

For example, Fidelity (www.fidelitycharitable.org) requires a $5,000 initial contribution to start a fund, while Vanguard’s ( www.vanguardcharitable.org) minimum is $25,000.

Anyone named on the account can recommend grants; children can be added to the account as they get older so they can make grants. If parents or grandparents control the fund, have the children research charities and present them for a family vote.

Your generosity can be targeted at favorite causes, and your gift can qualify you for a charitable deduction and tax savings.

To encourage year-round giving, talk to your children about setting aside part of their allowance for making a charitable donation. To reinforce the concept, buy a piggy bank that includes a slot for money for charity.

Whatever you decide, find ways to get your kids involved in giving. Don’t just write a check and stick it in the mail. Talk to your kids about why you selected the organization and what will be done with the money.

Questions, comments, column ideas? Send an email to sbrosen1030@gmail.com.