Looking for Volunteer Opportunities Including Our Kids

You could contact the Samaritan Inn in McKinney and see what kind of help they need. You might be able to volunteer to help the kids there with holiday crafts, storytime, or something like that, and then your youngest could participate in the activity, if not technically volunteer. Another idea would be the McKinney food pantry--4 and 7 year olds are old enough to sort food, prepare packages (one jar of peanut butter in each bag...) etc. I'm pretty sure the Samaritan Inn is the only homeless shelter in Collin County, but there may be a food pantry closer to you that you could check out. Kudos to you for getting your sons involved in service so early!

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I'm not sure which part of Plano you are in but Metrocrest Social Services has volunteer opportunities at their location in Carrollton. I believe there is one this weekend for parents with small children. You can find the info at this website http://www.metrocrestsocialservices.org/pdfs/holidayprogr... We have volunteered there with our kids and have had good experiences.

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The Heights Baptist Church located at 75/Renner has an awesome ministry for families in need. They collect gifts and gift cards for families who receive no help from other organizations. Then they hold an awesome Christmas party for these families. To learn more check out www.theheights.org. With the economy being what it is, I am sure they would welcome any help. It is an experience that has become one of our annual traditions, and we look forward to it every year. I have to warn you, though. It will move your heart!

The best opportunities are through a local church. if you are not affiliated with a local church then this is a wonderful time of year to visit some churches and see what they are doing. If you are not Church goers, then I would check into some of the local charities - Toys for Tots, Angel Trees, Soup Kitchens or even school projects. If your children are comfortable around elderly people, then bake some cookies together and take them to a senior citizens home near you. The elderly are always thrilled to see young people and especially children.

You might be able to help at an organization called Shoes for Orphan Souls. You can find their web site at www.shoesfororphansouls.org

A lot of the area church's need help with their Angel Trees....buying, wrapping, delivering gifts.