12 Age-Appropriate Volunteer Opportunities For Kids

• Donate to a food bank: You can look through your home cabinets to find extra food to donate to a local food bank. Another option is to go to the store with a list of items you want to buy. Take your child with you when you drop off the food donations, and be sure to discuss the importance of your actions.
• Collect change: Most nonprofit organizations will accept any monetary donation, no matter how big or small. So collecting change is a great way to have your child help out. It's even better if they have a particular group they want to support, such as shelter animals or sick children. You can research a specific organization to make them feel more connected to the cause.
• Decorate cards: A simple card can brighten the spirits of firefighters, wounded veterans, those in nursing homes, and many more. Consider writing the words on a homemade card and allowing your child to add their artistic flare.

• Donate toys: While donating new toys is excellent, organizations are constantly seeking gently used toys and stuffed animals. If your child’s room is full of toys they don’t use or want anymore, consider donating them to an organization.
• Make care packages: There's a sizable population of people experiencing homelessness in most cities. Many need basic toiletries and food staples. You can take a trip to the store with your child and work together to create care packages to donate to an organization that supports them.
• Cheer at special needs events: There are many local events featuring children and adults with special needs like autism and Down syndrome. Attending these events to cheer for the participants is a great way to support those in your community. There might also be opportunities to partner with a child with special needs and participate in events together. This is a great way to create a more inclusive environment for all.

• Community cleanup: Community cleanup events occur occasionally to keep areas throughout most cities clean. This is an easy way for your child to help out in the community where they live and beyond. They’ll need to get their hands dirty, but seeing an area free of trash and debris might be well worth the effort.
• Deliver meals on wheels: Local food banks need volunteers to deliver prepared meals to those in need. You can sign up to deliver meals and bring your child for the ride. This is an excellent opportunity for them to get out in the community and see their direct impact on others.
• Crochet blankets and hats: If your child has a knack for crocheting, use it as an opportunity for them to make items for those in need. You can work together to crochet blankets, hats, and scarves to keep people warm during the cold winter. Take the completed items to a nonprofit that supports those who may not have the resources to purchase these items.

• Read to young children: There are many opportunities for older children to volunteer their time reading to younger kids. Sometimes schools pair middle and high schoolers with elementary students. They might also be able to read at a local children’s hospital or the library.
• Shelve books at the library: Speaking of the library, another volunteer opportunity involves spending time at a local library organizing and shelving books.
• Volunteer at an animal shelter: Dogs, cats, and other animals spend their time at animal shelters waiting to find their forever home. The shelters they live at can use the help of volunteers throughout the year. Depending on your child’s interests and comfort with animals, they might be able to stuff pet adoption packets, help give the pets a bath, clean out crates, spend one-on-one time with pets, and more.

Whatever way your child decides to volunteer their time, be sure to discuss the importance of helping those in need. Also, continue to model this behavior by getting involved as well. Turning it into a monthly, quarterly, or annual family activity is a great way to make giving back a regular part of your routine.