Volunteering is wonderful for so many reasons. For one, you're teaching your children the value of helping others. Secondly, it's a great way for them to build skills that they may then take to school (and later in their life, work). It's also a great way to bond with your community. Whether it's dedicating one hour a month or five days per week, there's always a need for volunteers.
The one issue is, some places are strict about how old you can be in order to help. These restrictions are often put in place for a reason. For example, younger children might not be accepted at animal shelters, since they may not know how to best handle a scared or injured rescue pet. Some animals take some time to be rehabilitated into more social beings, which means it may not be safe to have a 7-year-old walk them around the block or clean their cage.
Luckily, there are plenty of other great opportunities that can be fun and educational for your kids. Here are a few worthy organizations to check out that thrive due to their younger volunteers and family programs.
1. Habitat for Humanity
How great will it be when your kids can tell their friends that they helped build houses this summer? Habitat for Humanity has plenty of youth volunteer opportunities, and it's a great organization to get connected with.
Habitat accepts volunteers between the age of 5 and 40 for its Habitat Youth Programs. "Younger generations have always inspired the rest of us to better our world," the organization states. "That kind of idealism can be infectious, and when paired with tangible service, real change can occur. Our Youth Programs are the intersection of aspiration and action." To find the Habitat for Humanity closest to you, check its search tool on the website.
2. American Rivers
American Rivers is a great organization that operates throughout the United States. Its goal is to clean up rivers as much as it can. Volunteers can find events local to them and fill out a form. If they want to bring friends and family members with them, the more, the merrier — but each person attending will need their own paperwork.
Cleaning up rivers is very important and can also be a calming activity. Families who are passionate can also start their own fundraiser to help protect local rivers.
3. Joann Fabric's 'Create To Give' Campaign
These hard times will, eventually, be behind us. But so many cloth masks are still needed to help keep people safe. Joann started up the "Create To Give" campaign, which asks those who like sewing to donate handmade masks using a pattern the brand suggests. This is a great volunteer opportunity for kids to do at home.
Even if they're too young to do the actual sewing, they can still help by picking out patterns and being present for drop-off. All Joann Fabric stores are accepting completed masks. "As a company, we were inspired by our customers who are pitching in during this unprecedented crisis, and we wanted to do what we can to contribute," the company said in a press release.
4. GenerationOn
GenerationOn offers plenty of opportunities for both children and teens as well as families. On its website, you can find plenty of different clubs and campaigns by city.
So what is GenerationOn? It's the youth component to the organization Points of Light. What it focuses on most includes caring and compassion and making the world a kinder place. "We envision a world in which everyone has discovered their power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies," the organization states.
5. Special Olympics
The Special Olympics is a wonderful and compassionate organization that cares about its volunteers. And it has noticed a huge increase in its young volunteers who want to make a difference.
"One of our college leaders began volunteering on a whim when she was in the second grade," the organization says on its website. "She calls that 'the best decision of my life.'"
From racing along with the athletes to sitting in the stands to cheer them on, there's a lot for kids to do. And even better, it'll help open their world to more diversity, which is so important.
6. United Way
United Way is a large organization with plenty of different opportunities for kids. It also runs plenty of programs that younger children can be involved with. Its website is often stacked with a bunch of jobs and positions, many that can be held by young and devoted volunteers, such as the Junior Docent position, which kids can apply for starting at the age of 12.
Opportunities vary by location, but you're bound to find something that can be rewarding.
7. Feeding America
Feeding America is a great organization that's trying hard to tackle the issue of hunger in the United States. As such, many of its volunteer efforts take place in local food banks.
Many children have had a great experience working alongside their parents in banks like these. And it can also be a big lesson on how some households have to go without candy, snacks, and luxury food items.
There are also ways to volunteer at home. "Our Hungry to Help family activities can guide you in teaching them about hunger," the organization wrote on its blog. "It's a fun way to show children the importance of serving their community while school is out."
8. Books for Africa
If you happen to live in or around St. Paul, Minnesota, or Atlanta, Georgia, Books for Africa may be a great place for your literary-loving child to participate. In-person volunteers need to be at least 14 years old, and their primary job is to sort and pack books. It's a great add to any future résumé, and it'll be a great way for your child to promote literacy and allow other children the ability to escape through a great fictional story.
The organization also accepts book donations that fit certain requirements, in case you have a lot of lightly used kids and young adult books that need a new home.
