Donate To A Local Shelter
Many local shelters and rescue groups operate with very limited resources. Their work helps untold numbers of animals and people. Donating materials is one way to show support. Another is to help out directly by donating your time.
Make blessing bags with essential items like toiletries, granola bars and water and donate to homeless shelters. Mel Larson Lingo has a great guide to family activities for this on her website.
Coaching
If you have children who love playing sports, volunteer coaching can be a great way to get them involved in the community and teach them about teamwork. It also gives them a chance to practice leadership skills, which can help them succeed in life and career. Volunteering can make your child feel good about themselves and the world around them. It can also help them to prioritize what is important in their lives.
Volunteer At A Thrift Store
Many families use their local thrift store to find bargains and give back to the community. In addition to keeping textile waste out of landfills, a percentage of proceeds from thrift shop sales support local nonprofits and charities. You and your family can help by donating or volunteering at a thrift store.
You’ll never know what you might find when you visit a thrift store. You might score a gently used Manolo Blahnik for a tenner or stumble upon the perfect mid-mod coffee table. But no matter what you buy, you’ll be helping to fight poverty by putting people back to work.
Local Hospital Work
A local hospital is a great place for families to volunteer together. There are a variety of opportunities for both adults and kids to get involved, including child life support, greeting patients and visitors, and assisting in the emergency and immediate care departments.
Volunteering at a local hospital is a great way to show your kids the importance of giving back to your community. It is also a great opportunity to build teamwork and make memories. It is important to remember that you should never become attached to a particular patient or their family members as this can cause more harm than good.
Valerie is a writer specializing in sports charities and community engagement, covering fundraising initiatives and athlete-led social impact projects.