Family Volunteer Day is on November 20th, so it's the perfect time to think about how to get your kids involved in volunteering. Whether you've already spent time volunteering or this will be your first time with your kids, you can always come up with something new to try together. These family volunteer ideas are fun and easy, and you can let your child help you decide what to do next.
The Benefits of Volunteering As a Family
Family volunteer ideas can be a positive way to bond with your child and benefit your community. Volunteering also teaches children about kindness, empathy, and giving back while boosting their personal well-being. Volunteering as a family can make your child more likely to volunteer as an adult, too.
Plus, finding fun family volunteer ideas can help your kids get excited about helping others.
Fun and Easy Family Volunteer Ideas
There are many ways to get your family involved in giving back to the community, but these family volunteer ideas are a good place to start.
Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter
If your kids love animals, volunteering at a local animal shelter is a fun way to give back. Many shelters need help walking dogs, cleaning cages, or even fostering pets in need.
Check with the shelter about age restrictions or guidelines for children.
Create Care Packages for the Homeless
Care packages for people experiencing homelessness in your community can be life-changing. Creating them with your kids teaches about the importance of giving and introduces them to the realities of homelessness in a compassionate way. Fill a bag with essentials like toiletries, snacks, socks, and bottled water. If possible, consider donating blankets or warm clothing during cold times of the year.
You can even involve your kids in picking out the items and decorating the care packages with encouraging notes or artwork.
Volunteer at a Local Library
Libraries often need help shelving books, organizing materials, or setting up reading events. Many libraries also offer programs where children can read to younger kids, helping them improve their reading skills while giving back.
Ask your local library about volunteer opportunities for families or special events. If yours doesn't have a need, they may be able to guide you to a location that could use some help.
Volunteer at a Local Soup Kitchen or Food Bank
Volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen is a great way to teach kids the value of serving others. Children can help sort food donations, pack food boxes, or serve meals. Many organizations welcome families, and even young kids can contribute.
Before going, explain the organization's mission so your kids understand how their work makes a difference.
Make Blankets for Homeless Shelters
Another fun family volunteer idea is to get crafty and teach your kids how to make simple no-sew fleece blankets. These warm, cozy gifts are often needed at homeless shelters, hospitals, or crisis centers. If you can knit or crochet, you can build your child's skillset and teach them how to make other blankets to donate, too.
Clean Up a Local Park or Beach
Getting outdoors and helping clean up a local park, beach, or neighborhood is a great way to get kids moving while positively impacting the environment. Provide gloves, trash bags, and other supplies, and spend an afternoon picking up litter together. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to teach kids about the importance of caring for the environment.
You can turn it into a fun competition to see who can pick up the most trash or find the most unusual item!
Make Cards or Crafts for Seniors
Brighten seniors' days in nursing homes or assisted living facilities by making handmade cards, crafts, or small gifts. Kids can create colorful cards with uplifting messages or make fun crafts like decorated flowerpots or bookmarks. These small acts of kindness can positively impact someone’s day, especially if they don't have many visitors.
Check with the facility in advance to see if they accept homemade cards or crafts and if residents have any special requests. You can also ask them when you should bring your gifts.
Donate Books With an Encouraging Note Inside
Donating books is a great way to promote literacy and share the joy of reading. Ask your kids to go through their bookshelves and choose gently used books to donate to schools, libraries, or children's hospitals. They could also ask others to donate books for the cause so they can help more people. Encourage your child to write a short note inside each book to inspire the next reader.
If your kids enjoy reading and feel confident reading aloud, they could also help read books aloud at libraries or children's hospitals as part of the drive.
Sponsor a Family or Child for the Holidays
Many organizations run holiday programs where you can sponsor a family or child by providing gifts, food, or clothing for those in need. Get your kids involved by shopping for presents or helping wrap and deliver them.
Consider sponsoring a child of a similar age to your own to help your kids feel connected to the cause. If you're unsure where to find someone to sponsor, ask your student's school if they have anyone available for sponsors. They wouldn't be able to give you names or other personal information, but they could get details on what a family or student needs or wants for the holidays.
Participate in a Charity Run or Walk
Many organizations host charity runs or walks to raise funds for different causes. You and your kids can volunteer to help set up, pass out water to participants, or cheer on the runners. Or, sign your family up to participate in the walk, which usually involves raising money for the cause. It’s a fun and active way to contribute.
Bake and Deliver Treats for Neighbors or First Responders
Baking together is a fun activity that ends with a beautiful act of kindness. You and your kids can bake cookies, muffins, or other treats and deliver them to neighbors, first responders, or even a local shelter. Letting your kids decide what they want to bake can be even more fun and meaningful. Delivering a thoughtful gift can brighten someone’s day and teach kids the value of kindness.
Another idea is to make it a “secret delivery” and leave the treats on doorsteps with a kind note.
Recap: Family Volunteer Ideas
Volunteering as a family is a beneficial idea throughout the year, but with Family Volunteer Day coming up, it may put the idea in your mind a little more. Get started now so that as the year goes on, you'll already be comfortable giving back to the community.
These fun family volunteer ideas are perfect for getting started. What other ideas would you add? Leave a comment and let us know!
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