Volunteer Work: 4 Easy Ways to Give Back With the Family
Volunteer work is an important part of community involvement. From working at a shelter to doing charity runs, there are many ways your family can give back to others! Here are some tips to get you started.
Whether you get out in nature or go to the beach, there are many activities the family can do together. However, it can be hard in the modern world to find time with each other. Volunteering can be a great way to make time and use it in a meaningful way. While you’ll get to know each other better and learn new things, you’ll also be giving back!
Why Is It Important to Do Volunteer Work?
For many families, it often seems the case that there aren’t enough hours in the day. Whether it’s spending time together or finding time for homework and hobbies, it’s hard to get it all in. Volunteer work for the whole family can be a meaningful way to spend time together. Not only can it instill a good work ethic in your child, but it can also help their communication skills. It can also be good to have volunteering on a resume! When it comes to adults, the benefits are no different. While you’ll get to know your child better, you’ll also learn more about your community and enjoy giving back.
How Can I Get My Child to Do Volunteer Work?
When it comes to choosing volunteer work, it’s important to know what your family wants to get out of it. Many people choose to volunteer around Christmas, but there are different options if you’re looking for something long-term. It can even be done as an after-school activity! In addition to knowing how much you want to give, it’s worth choosing something you’ll all enjoy. If you have a child who likes to fix things, helping to build homes can be great! Or, if they have a passion for the environment, doing highway cleanup is a good option. Whatever you choose, there’s plenty of opportunities that kids and parents will enjoy too!
What Are Some Volunteer Opportunities in My Community?
There are so many opportunities to get the family involved in community service that it can be tough to know where to start! You may even want to share them with other parents on FamilyApp! Whether you’re starting simple or diving in, there are examples that are great opportunities for your family or social group.
1. Feed the Homeless
Whether you do it at Christmas or once a month, volunteering in a shelter or soup kitchen can be rewarding. It may be difficult for younger kids, but can be a great experience for teenagers. While they’ll be able to give back to those less fortunate, it will also help them appreciate what they have.
2. Participate in a Charity Run
Most kids like to get outside and get physically active. Fortunately, getting them involved in runs and walks for charity can be a great way to accomplish two things! Not only will they get exercise, but it’s also great volunteer work for teens. Whether they run or walk, it will teach them about caring for others and supporting local causes.
3. Clean Up the Environment
Getting your children out in nature can be one of the best ways for them to experience volunteer work! Whether you organize it yourself or participate in a park cleanup, it provides great bonding time. You may even want to reach out to your local park board to try your skills planting trees or digging up weeds!
4. Donate Items
Donating items you no longer need isn’t just a great way to clean out your house, but it also shows your kids a great way to help people. Used toys and stuffed animals that your kids may no longer love can be great for other families! And your kids may derive as much joy from sharing with people in need as they will from new toys.
What Are Some Great Organizations Where I Can Volunteer?What Are Some Great Organizations Where I Can Volunteer?
1. United Way
There are so many volunteer opportunities within this organization. The United Way of America has almost 1,200 smaller branches that work together with a large coalition of charities to raise money and support for a variety of projects. Check with your local chapter to see which organizations might have promising volunteer opportunities.
2. Red Cross
Whether you want to give money or donate blood, giving to the Red Cross is a wonderful way to help those in need.
3. SPCA
Volunteering at the SPCA is perfect for the animal-lover! Local SPCAs offer different opportunities for both kids and adults, with tasks ranging from walking animals to driving them to and from the shelters.
Joys of Volunteer Work
Finding the time to spend together can be difficult for any family. Fortunately, choosing a volunteer activity can be a great way to hang out and give back. Have you done any volunteering that your family can enjoy together? If so, share your ideas with us in our comments! Whether you work at a local shelter or volunteer abroad, there are many ways to help your community.
