The Value of Volunteering and Helping
Volunteering and helping out are great ways for kids to learn about generosity and kindness. When they get involved, not only do they make a difference for those in need, but they also pick up some useful skills and feel good about contributing to their community.
Ways for Kids to Volunteer and Serve Others
We’ve compiled a giant list of ideas to get you started. Some of the activities you can do from home with a child of any age, some involve organizations with age requirements, and some are meant to be helper activities. The topics include:
- Charitable Drives/Gathering Donations
- Fund Raising
- Card Making and Letter Writing
- Volunteering Your Time and Talents
- Putting Together Care Packages
- Helping With an Event
- Caring for Your Community
Charitable Drives/Gathering Donations
A charitable drive is a collective effort to gather needed items from the community and donate them to organizations or individuals in need. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Food Drive (Collect non-perishable items for a local food bank.)
- Toy Drive (Collect gifts for children in need during the holiday season.)
- Blanket/Clothing Drive (Collect and donate warm blankets and clothing to a homeless shelter.)
- School Supply Drive (Collect and donate school supplies to schools with underprivileged students.)
- Book Drive (Collect and donate gently used books to a local library or school.
- Diaper Drive (Collect and donate diapers and baby supplies to a family shelter or pregnancy help center.)
- Craft Supply Drive (Collect and donate arts and crafts supplies to a children’s organization or senior living facility.)
- Animal Shelter Supply Drive (Collect and donate food, toys, and blankets to an animal shelter.)
FUN FACT: Did you know cute items like bandanas help shelter dogs get adopted?
Fundraise
Fundraising activities not only help to bring in financial support where needed but also teach kids valuable lessons about teamwork and charity. Here are some fundraising ideas we think kids will be great at:
- Bake Sale (Organize a bake sale where kids can sell homemade treats to neighbors and friends.)
- Car Wash (Set up a car wash in the community. Kids can wash cars for donations while enjoying some time outdoors.
- Lemonade/Hot Chocolate Stand (A classic idea! Kids can set up a lemonade stand on a hot day or a hot chocolate stand on a cold day and donate the profits.)
- Craft Fair (Encourage kids to create and sell crafts or artwork. They can host a small fair in the neighborhood.)
- Fun Run or Walkathon (Plan a fun run or walkathon in which participants collect pledges for every mile they complete.)
- Raffle or Silent Auction (Sell raffle tickets or gather items/services for a silent auction.)
- Garage Sale (Sort through old toys and clothes and host a garage sale, donating the proceeds to the chosen charity.)
- Talent Show (Organize a neighborhood talent show where audience members purchase tickets and donate the proceeds to charity.)
Write Letters of Encouragement or Create Handmade Cards
Handmade cards can be incredibly helpful and meaningful for people who are away serving or feeling isolated. They can provide emotional support, personal connection, and encouragement. Here are just a few suggestions for people who may enjoy receiving a thoughtful card:
- Deployed Military Personnel and Veterans (Thank them for their service.)
- Residents of a Nursing Home
- Hospitalized Children
Volunteer Your Time and Talents
Volunteer your time to serve others. Many organizations will let children volunteer along with their parents or guardians. Here are some suggestions to look into in your community:
- Help at a Soup Kitchen or Food Bank
- Volunteer at Your Local Library
- Assist a Youth Sports Coach
- Spend Time with Residents at a Nursing Home
- Tutor or Read to Younger Children
- Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
- Volunteer at a Charity Thrift Store
- Volunteer at a Hospital
Make a Care Package
Care packages are a great way for families to work together while serving others. Whether it’s for a friend, a neighbor, or through a local charity, putting together a thoughtful selection of items can be a cheery gift that brightens someone’s day and offers them support during challenging times.
- Homeless Individuals (Include items like toiletries, socks, blankets, and non-perishable food.)
- Military Personnel (Send packages with snacks, hygiene products, and letters of appreciation.)
- Nursing Home or Home Bound Residents (Include comfort items such as blankets, games, and personal letters.)
- Children in Need (Fill packages with toys, personal care items, and school supplies.)
- First Responders (Create packages with snacks, drinks, and notes of appreciation for their hard work.)
- Neighbors in Need (Put together a thoughtful package for a neighbor who may be struggling.)
Help Organize or Run an Event
Children are wonderful helpers. Allow them to share their ideas and assist where needed. Involving children in charitable events fosters life skills and a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Disaster Relief Efforts
- Hunger Relief Efforts
- Conservation Projects
- Environmental Clean-Up Projects
- Community Beautification Projects
- Charity Concerts or Shows
Caring for Your Neighborhood or Community
Caring for your neighbors and local community is important for several reasons. It helps create a thriving, connected, and supportive environment, which in turn enhances the quality of life for residents. Well-maintained parks, clean streets, and inviting public spaces contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of community members.
- Clean up a local park or pick up trash in your neighborhood.
- Help elderly neighbors with yard work and other chores they could use assistance with.
- Work in a community garden.
- Volunteer at a church, community center, or after-school program.
- Build a Little Free Library or restock one in your area.
- Make and deliver meals to families in need.
Thanks for reading. We hope one of these ideas has inspired you!
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