Volunteering as a family is a great way for families to spend time together. Just think, if one person can change the world, what can your whole family do? We’ve got some ideas about how your whole family can start changing the world!

Green Days

Adopt an area park, playground, or beach and make regular visits to keep it trash-free. You can do this on your own, or find a park that needs some care through your local volunteer center. Choose a favorite family spot so you can play after your work is done.

Take some time to tell friends and neighbors how easy it is to do easy earth-friendly tasks like composting, recycling, or organic gardening. Don’t just talk to adults, make sure you include the children in the families! 

Emergency Relief and Preparedness
When your family hears about a disaster on the news you might want to see what you can do to help out.

But before you start collecting donations, check with your local emergency response organization to find out what is needed. Then start your own family relief drive and ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates to pitch in.

You can help out before disasters strike, too! Building emergency preparedness kits to donate to your local emergency response organization is a great way to help out before a disaster happens!

Help Out With Community Events

Is there a local event that supports a cause that your family cares about? Sign up for the event and participate as a family, or volunteer as a family at the event! Make sure to ask how everyone in your family can get involved.

Building Together
Families with older kids can join together as a team and volunteer with organizations that help to build or repair homes. These kinds of activities show the impact the group has had in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.

If your family doesn’t have older kids, you might still be able to find opportunities to help build your community through another agency. Younger kids can help out with other tasks, too. Remember, someone needs to help make all of those thank you cards for the volunteers!

Spread Some Good Cheer

Family visits to area hospitals or nursing homes to do crafts projects with patients or residents can brighten everyone’s day! Younger children can also help deliver meals to home bound elderly residents through programs like Meals on Wheels.

Special Deliveries

Sending letters and care packages to American troops serving overseas is one way to help children understand the sacrifices our military personnel make — and a great way to say thank you. Recruit little kids to make drawings and stamp envelopes. Older ones can write notes and gather treats like books, phone cards, and coffee. If you don’t know anyone serving in the military, there are many ways to reach out to any service member.

 

Does your family volunteer together? Do you plan your own projects or volunteer with a nonprofit? Let us know in the comments!

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• 7 Ideas for Volunteering With Your Kids
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