Do You Know of Any Ways I Can Volunteer with My Kids?

Updated on August 24, 2010
A.C. asks from Wellington, FL
8 answers

Hi moms! My daughter just turned 4, and I have a baby boy about to turn one. This question pertains more to something I can do with my 4 year old. I want to give back, and I would like to include my daughter...and most likely the baby would accompany us as well. I have taught my daughter about donating to charities, but I would really like to volunteer with her in a way that can make a difference, even to one person. Do you have any ideas? I particularly love people with special needs, so anything in that realm would be great. I was also wanting to know more about a big sister type program, where maybe we could be matched up with one less fortunate child in the community, to do activities with or something. We also adore animals, so anything in regards to furry friends is great. Even something I haven't mentioned...I am open to any suggestions. I really appreciate it! We live in Palm Beach County, specifically Wellington. Thanks! This is an add on...thanks so much for some great ideas already. I had thought of a nursing home....but I know my girlfriend tried that with her daughter and she was told no b/c they don't want the kids to make the older people sick..and don't want the older people to make the kids sick. My daughter does seem to catch things easily (since she started pre-school last year), so that one makes me hesitant..but keep the AWESOME ideas coming!

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S.C.

answers from Grand Rapids on

You already have great suggestions, and it sounds almost like you already know what you want to do, sort of. My 7 almost 8 year old son is an official volunteer at the rehab and nursing center. He goes in and reads or plays ball, or just visits with the elders living there. It made their day for sure! One lady didn't smile all day until I asked her if she wanted to play ball w/ my son... She didn't stop smiling.
Also, local animal shelters love it when kids come in even just to play with the animals. It gets the animals used to people, and kids especially, and helps them be socialized and more adoptable.
Then you can also put the little guy in a stroller and go for a walk and pick up trash on the side of the road. Just watch out for broken bottles...
Um... Oh, you can maybe make cookies or something and go to an elderly neighbors house to visit.
It is very nice of you to want to help people and teach your children to have a helpful, caring heart too.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.R.

answers from New York on

i have no idea when or where it is this year, but i distinctly remember as a child going to the special olympics with my mom to help out. it made such a tremendous impact on me. find out when it is coming to you. i am going to do the same, thanks for the reminder :)

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

you can always volunteer to help out at an animal shelter (although personally, that means we run the risk of bringing home animals!) or doing something at a nursing home. A lot of old folks dont get to see their grandkids and enjoy the time with small children.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

You might want to consider a "meals on wheels" route one day a week of taking food to some elderly people in your community. You children could easily accompany you on these deliveries and if you have a regular route you will become friendly with the people you deliver to each week. You could do arts and crafts projects with your daughter and include a project-- a pretty picture, a craft ornament, a table decoration or something to brighten their day. She could also learn a little song to sing for different holidays and share her songs with the people you visit.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Definitely take them to a nursing home to visit! The residents would love that. Also, she can go through toys and clothes and take them to a charity store. Making/taking a meal to a sick neighbor/friend. Do you have a food pantry or Meals on Wheels where you could help out?

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S.M.

answers from Asheville on

Good for you. You and your kids will have a wonderful impact on someone's life. You might check with a church to see if they have a member of their congregation who could use help. I think if you just begin to ask friends or others in the community or non-profits, you'll be in more demand than you'll have time for!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.K.

answers from Washington DC on

The one place that is always crying out for children to visit and rarely gets them is a retirement home. Go make a senior's day special. Find an elderly woman or man in your local home and "adopt" them.

1 mom found this helpful

E.A.

answers from Erie on

See if your local United Way has a Mother to Mother or Parent to Parent program. I both gave and gained a lot from volunteering for this program over the years. So did my children.

1 mom found this helpful
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