Offering your help to a charitable cause is priceless and is appreciated by the agencies and organizations that provide services to the less fortunate. In 2008, the Carnegie Report indicated that with volunteering reportedly at a 30-year high, 70 percent of Americans did not participate in volunteer activities, while two-thirds of the country's 900,000-plus nonprofits toiled to find the volunteers they needed. You and the kids can get involved to help fill the gaps.
The Homeless
The number of homeless families with children has increased significantly over the past decade. Families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. In its 2007 survey of 23 American cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that families with children comprised 23% of the homeless population. Mealtimes in homeless shelters are busy, so contact a local shelter to see how you and your kids can help. Before you start, confirm that the tasks are age appropriate. Kids can help with meal preparation by making a salad, peeling potatoes, or making the beverage, for example. Meal times are an ideal time for you and your child to work together along with others to support the needs of the organization.
Self-less Birthdays
According to The Children for Children Organization based in New York, you can introduce your children to the idea of service at any age. Self-less birthday parties are a good way to introduce this concept to your children and to get their peers involved. Send out the birthday invitations and include a statement like "No gifts please, but bring child care items like moist wipes, blankets, baby food and cloth diapers and they will be donated to the XYZ agency." Hopefully, this idea will be contagious and your child's peers will follow suit.
The Neighborhood
There may be a house in your neighborhood that could use a little maintenance. Instead of complaining and being critical of the residents, see if there are ways that you and the kids can help. Chances are the property is owned by someone who is unable to maintain their lawn. Volunteer your teenager to mow the lawn, trim hedges or allow the younger ones to weed.
Winter can also provide volunteer opportunities if you live in a snowy place. Get your kids out of the house over the holiday break from school and allow them to shovel walk ways in your and driveways in your neighborhood. Not only will the neighbors appreciate the deed, but perhaps your kids can be an inspiration to others.
Other Opportunities
Some residents of elder homes may rarely if ever receive visitors. It might be possible that your children do not have grandparents. Bridge this gap by allowing your children to visit elder homes. The elderly enjoy reading playing board games like checker, chess, and cards. These activities are good stimulation for both the older adult and the young child. If your child is talented musically, they may want to give a performance.
Member Comments