10 ways to volunteer with kids #NationalVolunteerWeek

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Volunteering is one thing I hope to instill in my child. Teaching him selflessness and compassion towards others/things less fortunate. I honestly do believe it is so good for children to learn early especially boys, most girls have a caring characteristic and boys are just so rough and tumble I truly think it’s something they are taught. My boy anyway. Here are just a few easy ways to volunteer with your child. Once your child gets a taste of volunteering they will probably beg you to volunteer more. Remember to start volunteering early(but it’s never too late to start) and explain to your child what they are doing and how it is helping.

1. Pick up trash – this can be done anywhere, park, your neighborhood, beach, school and can be started at a very early age. We started this with Mason when he was about 2, just grabbed gloves, a garbage bag and headed to the local beach. And now anytime Mason sees trash on the ground he HAS to pick it up and he will get mad if he sees someone litter. Explain to your child it saves the environment, animals and that you can get in trouble by the law if you litter.

2. Animal rescue – there is always fostering animals :) but a lot of people aren’t able to do that. But did you know you can still volunteer for a animal rescue group; help with adoption events, drive animals to and from doctor appointments, collect food/supply donations, ect. Contact your local rescue group they can always use help. Why you should foster animals? Post

3. Elderly neighbor – offer some yard work service, I’m sure they wouldn’t turn you down especially if you have a cute little kid with you :)

4. Toy collection – I think this is a great learning experience for children, teach your child that some kids aren’t as fortunate. And this can be as simple as buying a couple toys at the store and dropping them off in one of the Christmas charity boxes. But if you have the time you could contact your local woman and children shelters or fire station/police station for any toy collection events.

5. Senior/Nursing home – this is something I have yet to do with Mason, but I LOVED volunteering at a nursing home when I was a kid. They love visitors, just someone to talk to and listen, or you can go for one of their activity days. Check with your local nursing home for volunteering info.

6. Mail homemade artwork or cards – to any senior living home, or hospitals. Very easy, especially if you aren’t able to physically volunteer. The patients and elderly love receiving homemade stuff, especially from children.

7. Water/Food for the homeless – you can buy a case of water for under $3 at the grocery store, leave a case in your car and hand out when you see a homeless person or just simply someone who looks thirsty and a box of granola bars another idea.

8. Donate food – clean out your pantry, pick up an extra item or two next time you’re at the grocery store. Donate it to the local food bank. If you’re able, they usually welcome extra hands to help, you could help sort foods, serve, deliver. Another idea; put together a “donation day” where you drive around to friends and families houses and pick up bags of food to donate. Sometimes people don’t donate because they don’t know where to drop off.

9. Make or Buy Treats – and bring them to your local fire station or police station.

10. Special Olympics – almost every single disabled person I know loves children. Contact them to find your local Special Olympics and see what volunteer opportunities they have, or you can just attend a local event and simply be a cheerleader, everyone would love that!

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