Never too early to pay it forward

Every step you take, every move you make, they are watching you. Who’s watching? Kids! They watch and model us and often carry those behaviors throughout their lives.

The three children of Heather Quaas-Annsa are doing just that…learning to give from the example set by their parents.

Considering Heather works in the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation in Eugene, Oregon, it’s no surprise that she and her husband, Craig, are philanthropically minded. Both are passionate supporters of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart and other nonprofits in Lane County where they reside.

This caring couple understands the importance of volunteering, advocating and donating to causes they believe in. They work hard to instill this same sense of purpose and community in their kids – Elijah, Sabia and Quillan.

When these three siblings get their weekly allowance, they put part of it in their “donation” jars. Like their parents, they’re caught up in the same spirit of giving and do it because they want to.

“We've never told our kids they HAD to donate their allowance, it's just something they all decided they should do one year,” said Quaas-Annsa.

In December, the children excitedly gave the contents of their treasure jars to the local United Way. As Sabia put it, “it felt really good to help people.”

That made mom feel good too. “Needless to say, I am beyond proud to be the mommy of three amazing kiddos who have frequent #everydaymoments filled with kindness, compassion and love,” said Quaas-Annsa.

What makes all of this even more special is that “giving back to our community is something we do together, as a family,” she added.

The Quaas-Annsa kids are paying it forward and making a positive impact on their community. They are the generous next generation.