ok, this isn't really charitable in the traditional activity sense you're talking about, but i think it develops the basis for that behavior for them in just a year.
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I'm working with DD (also 16 mo) on just being gentle with other living beings. For example, saying hi to bugs, and being gentle with them. Hugging trees (eye roll I know) and being gentle with plants. Talking about how the bug is hungry, looking for food. Where is the bug going? Going home to mommy and daddy. The idea with that for me is trying to create empathy. And actually, I think empathy is a pretty advanced cognitive development; however, they can start to understand that there are other beings, in fact smaller & possibly needier ones, that are like them in many ways. I am hoping this will pave the way to a sense of giving in a more obvious way in not too long.
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Also, every time they "help" (DD is getting this concept) - that is charity in a basic sense. Feeding/watering a pet, help mommy put things away, give a hug. So there are activities which I want my child to be a part of when she is slightly older, and then there are home activities that I believe also engender the concept of charity, which will be the emotional basis when we go out to make a difference. (HOPEFULLY!! lol)
