Teaching children the value of charitable contributions and community volunteering is a great holiday (or anytime) family activity! Through community service projects and other charitable acts, kids young and old can positively impact others as well as themselves.
Family Volunteering
Volunteering time as a family not only affects those being served by the charitable or community organization, but also benefits the family itself. The organization FamilyCares states that, "Family volunteering is a hands on way to teach children the values of kindness, compassion, tolerance, community responsibility and good citizenship".
When selecting a family volunteering opportunity make sure to include all family members in the decision making process. Consider what interests specific family members. For example, if one or more children in the family have an interest in animals think about volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Another option is to search for opportunities that are close to the heart. These opportunities may include volunteering at a hospital or health organization or spending time visiting seniors at a nursing home.
Be cognizant of each member’s feelings when choosing to volunteer. If one or more family members feel uncomfortable in a certain volunteer situation, try to find an alternative. Family volunteering should be a together time activity for everyone. Avoid leaving out one person due to emotions or internal conflicts.
Ideas for Volunteering and Community Service for Kids
Children of different ages can be expected to take on varying levels of responsibility when it comes to volunteering. Additionally, certain volunteer or community service activities may be restricted by age. The following section provides broad ideas and suggestions by age. This list is by no means exhaustive, and should be viewed as a starting point.
Young Children (Preschool and Early Elementary):
- Used clothing collection
- Toy drive
- Making crafts for the sick or elderly
Elementary School Aged Children:
- Planting trees, flowers, or other plants in the community
- Visiting seniors at a nursing home
- Helping at an animal shelter (if permissible by shelter policy, and always with adult supervision)
- Collecting garbage at a local park (with adult supervision)
Older Children/Teens
- Working at a soup kitchen
- Refurbishing/rebuilding homes that have been destroyed by natural disasters
- Walking dogs at an animal shelter
- Creating community murals or other beautification projects
Children and Charitable Monetary Donations
Parents are not the only ones who should be responsible for opening a wallet to donate money for a good cause. Children and teens can also take part in choosing a worthy charity and making a monetary donation. This activity can benefit children on multiple levels including learning the value of money, developing empathy for others and contributing to society/community.
Begin by selecting an appropriate charity. Try conducting internet research to verify what the charity does and where (or to whom) the money will be going. Ask the child for ideas or input in terms of a cause or charitable organization.
Young children can earn money by doing household chores or running a lemonade stand (adult supervised). Older children and teens can try other avenues such as raking leaves for a neighbor, shoveling snow, or obtaining a paper route. Additionally, teens who are old enough to be legally employed can contribute a portion of their wages to charity.
Resources on Volunteering and Charity for Kids and Families
There are a number of organizations devoted to helping families and children learn about and find volunteer opportunities.
These include (but are not limited to):
- FamilyCares
- Children for Children
- Compassionate Kids
- Volunteer Match
- Kids Korps
Volunteering time, community service activities, and charitable contributions are all positive ways to involve children in the idea of giving back. Whether it is a holiday community project or an ongoing volunteer opportunity, families can select an appropriate and important way to help out. Engage all family members in the choosing a charity or service group, and then work together to make a difference!
Source:
FamilyCares. Family Volunteering (accessed December 8, 2009).
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
Join the Conversation