Volunteer Opportunities for Children

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Holidays!

I have a special place in my heart for the month of November.  I was born on Thanksgiving and my family has since renamed this month NovAmber.  I have always enjoyed giving and I am trying to instill this trait in my children.  What better time than the month of giving to teach them that there is always something you can do to help someone.  Even small children can have the opportunity to give back and learn to be grateful.  Here are some volunteer opportunities for children this time of year.

Operation Christmas Child– This is one of our family’s favorite things to do this time of year.  It’s so simple and easy.  You fill a shoebox with toys, toiletries and other necessities and fun things for children.  You pick an age group (2-4. 5-9, 10-14) and either a boy or girl and then start shopping.  Our kids pick what they want to buy for their child and then we all pack our boxes together.  The boxes are then sent to 3rd world countries where children are in need.  We watch the videos with our kids so they can see the impact their presents have on these kids.  Check out Samaritan’s Purse for more information.

Feed My Starving Children–  This is a wonderful organization to volunteer at all year long.   Kid’s from 5 years up can help pack meals for children around the world.   For more information you can visit Feed My Starving Children online.  They are located in Mesa.

Food/ Toy Drives– There are numerous food and toy drives throughout the Valley this time of year.  Encourage your children to use their allowance money on a can of food or a new toy to donate to children in need.  Even the youngest kids can buy a can of food or a Hot Wheel for another child who is less fortunate.

 Donate Used Toys– This is a parents best friend right before Christmas and again before birthdays!  Our kids go through their toys and each pick 5 to donate (nothing broken or dirty).  Then we donate them.  Over the years we have given them to our church, hospital daycare centers and to friends.  This year we will be taking them to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa.  This is a great way to get rid of a few toys before Santa comes as well as show your kids how truly blessed they are.

Angel Trees– These can be found at most schools and churches.  Pick a name and buy a gift for a family in need.  Our school does a tree where the gifts go to families at the school who are struggling.  I love that with the angel trees the gifts go directly to our community members.

Blessings Bags– I have a confession, I have a hard time giving to the homeless.  I know it’s bad and I struggle with it.  I love the idea of making a blessings bag full of tylenol, wet wipes, toothbrush, granola bars, water bottle, and other essentials.  This is a great way to give to those in need without giving cash.  have your children help you pack them and keep a few in your car at all times.  Your children seeing you give will encourage them and they will feel good knowing that they helped pack the bag.

What other ways do you and your family give back?  Are their any volunteer organizations that you and your family love?  How do you teach your kids the importance of giving?

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Hi Amber! Thank you for the article. These are great ideas. I love the idea of blessing bags, but I am so fearful when gifting them that the person walking around the cars will be hit. I have seen some near misses and it makes me really uncomfortable to draw them over to my car. I never see them in places where I can safely stop outside of traffic. How do you gift these bags without endangering someone?

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