Looking for Volunteer Opportunities

I've done a lot of volunteer work with my kids. Times are tough and food is very expensive right now, so helping collect food for a local food cupboard is a good project. We've collected from neighbors, family and friends, and brought the food to a local church food cupboard. We've also made meals at home and packaged for Aid to Friends and Meals on Wheels.

You can also do some other projects right in your neighborhood that are completely informal, such as walking along the street and picking up trash, perhaps planting flowers or doing yard work for an elderly neighbor. What's nice about things like that is kids will develop a sense of seeking out opportunities to be helpful to others. We used to do that sort of thing when my boys were very small. Then one day I was walking with them to school when they were in 8th and 6th grade. I just went with them that day to enjoy the weather and stretch my legs. Usually they walked to and from school without me. I noticed that they picked up trash here and there along the way, and at two houses they moved the newspaper from the end of the driveway to the front door. I asked why they moved the newspaper, and they said that they noticed that older people lived there and had a hard time walking to get the paper in the morning. One day they asked the ladies who lived in the houses if they wanted them to bring the paper up to their door every day, and so they did. I was very proud of them for identifying a need and helping out.

Have fun! I think you're doing a wonderful thing.

I think that's a great idea. I would love to get my kids involved in things like these too. A good idea now that the weather is getting nicer is help cleaning up at a park. A friend of mine said there are groups that you can contact to join in or just go off on your own. Sorry, I can't think of the the name but I'm sure if you google it you can find something.

I volunteer with a dog rescue - there are sooooooo many horrible stories out there & to be part of making a difference is so rewarding!! My advice would be to go to petfinder.com to find the local rescues & shelters and contact them. You may be able to get involved with dog walking, fundraising...there is so much that you can do!

One thing that we like to do as a family is combine fitness with our community projects. We participate in local charity walks, so the kids not only learn about helping others, they get fit while doing it! A good source for local events is www.GymMama.net Hope that helps! And good for you for getting your daughter involved! That's fantastic! =)

maybe to join a church if you dont belong..we go to the movie church and not only can you volunteer but have some fun together...T.

Our family volunteers a few times a year at an organization that packs and delivers food for those in need and also collects clothing. We also have volunteered at our local nature center (and watershed) to help clean up, etc.

Do you have a dog? If so, get into pet therapy

If there is a Main Streets revitalization group near you, try that. I try to be involved, but my daughter is only 3 1/2. I live in Telford and our farmers' market might finally take off this year. (I joined because the one year the market was sooooooooooo sad!)

Hi J..
I work in a Skilled Nursing Facility and we often have volenteers come in on the weekend who are parents with small children. The kids make arts and crafts with the residents and some even bring in their dogs to visits. I have brought my own kids in quite a few times. That is always fun for all.

Meals on Wheels maybe one or any Nursing Home LOVES to have little kids stop in for visits. it's great for the elderly, they love the kids and they energy, excitement and innocence!