Tips for Volunteering as a Family to Support Your Community

If you’re reading this, you’re taking the very first step in volunteering and giving back to the community with your family, and we can’t wait to go on this journey with you! There’s so much going on in the world that’s hard to explain–natural disasters, international crises, homelessness–and for children, this can be especially confusing. Volunteering is a wonderful way to spend quality time together while giving back to your community and teaching the importance of empathy to your little ones.

Whether you’re volunteering at a local food bank, helping an elderly neighbor, or participating in an environmental cleanup, you can instill important values like kindness and responsibility while creating lasting memories. So, grab your kids (and maybe even your grandparents) and let’s dive into the many rewarding opportunities you can volunteer for together!

Benefits of Volunteering as a Family

From an emotional perspective, volunteering helps nurture empathy. It helps kids understand the challenges others face, and fosters a sense of gratitude for their own lives. Studies* show that children who volunteer are more likely to continue helping others as they grow older. Not only do they develop stronger relationships with their family, but they also cultivate a lifelong commitment to service. Plus, volunteering is just plain fun—it’s a chance for everyone to roll up their sleeves, try something new, and work together in a meaningful way!

Assessing Your Family’s Interests and Skills

Before diving into volunteer opportunities, take a moment to assess you and your kiddo’s interests and skills. Understanding what excites and motivates your kids will help you find activities that everyone will enjoy. For instance, if your family loves animals, you could consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or wildlife rescue organization. If your kids have a knack for art, perhaps organizing a mural project or creating care packages could be a fun and rewarding option.

Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunities

Once you’ve decided what volunteering opportunities make sense with your family’s interests, it’s time to start researching and choosing! Consider how much time you can commit and choose roles that align with your availability. If you’re new to family volunteering, start small—perhaps a one-time community event or a short-term project—and work your way up to larger commitments as you gain confidence.

Types of Volunteer Activities

There’s no shortage of ways to volunteer, and many opportunities are family-friendly! Here are just a few categories of volunteer work to get you started:

• Environmental Projects: Participate in local cleanups, tree plantings, or recycling programs to help protect the planet.
• Community Service: Assist at food banks, shelters, or community kitchens. These are often great options for people with varying schedules, and they often operate during the weekends so it’s a rewarding weekend activity for the whole fam!
• Animal Shelters: If your family loves animals, volunteering at a shelter can be a heartwarming experience. You might walk dogs, help care for cats, or assist with adoption events.
• Assisting the Elderly: Help with meal delivery, companionship visits, or organizing social activities for elderly neighbors or residents at retirement homes.
• Supporting Education: Volunteer at local schools, libraries, or after-school programs. You can tutor students, read to children, or even help organize events or fundraisers.

Virtual Volunteering Options

Not all volunteering requires you to leave your home. Virtual volunteering is a great way for families to contribute while staying safe and comfortable. Websites like VolunteerMatch and Catchafire offer a range of remote volunteer options that are great for families with busy schedules. Plus, virtual volunteering can be a fantastic way for your kids to learn more about different cultures and global issues while making a positive impact.

Preparing for the Volunteering Experience

Preparation is key to making your volunteer experience a success. Here are some simple steps to ensure that everyone is ready for a fun and productive time.

Setting Expectations and Goals

Before you volunteer, let’s discuss what you want to achieve as a family. Are you hoping to help a specific cause? Do you want to spend time learning new skills or simply having fun together? Setting clear goals can make the experience more rewarding for everyone. Make sure your expectations are realistic—especially if it’s your first time volunteering as a family.

Logistics and Time Management

Volunteering as a family may require some logistical planning, so be sure to coordinate schedules, arrange transportation, and gather any supplies you may need (like gloves, cleaning supplies, or snacks). You will thank your past self for keeping things organized the day of!

Age-appropriate Volunteer Options

When volunteering with kids, it’s important to find activities that are appropriate for their age and abilities. Younger children might enjoy tasks like organizing donations, assembling care packages, or helping with arts and crafts, while older kids can take on more responsibility, such as assisting with event planning or tutoring. Make sure to choose opportunities that allow everyone to participate in a meaningful way—after all, the goal is to have fun and learn together.

Making Volunteering Enjoyable for Kids

Engaging children in volunteering can sometimes be tricky, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Engaging Children Through Interactive Activities

Kids love hands-on activities, so choose volunteer projects that allow them to get involved directly. For example, organizing a food drive, making blankets for an animal shelter, or creating cards for hospitalized patients are all great ways to engage their senses while making a positive impact.

Educating Children About Social Responsibility

Use volunteering as an opportunity to teach your children about social responsibility. This doesn’t have to be a lecture—simply discussing why the work you’re doing matters, and the positive effects it has on others, can help them develop a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

Building a Long-term Volunteering Commitment

Once your family experiences the joy of volunteering, why not make it a regular activity? Volunteering together can be a great tradition to build into your family’s routine. Try to find opportunities that you can commit to over time, whether that means helping at the same shelter once a month, organizing an annual charity event, or supporting an ongoing environmental project. 

By making volunteering a long-term commitment, you’ll not only help your community, but you’ll also create a legacy of compassion and service for future generations. Giving back to your community in the ways we have outlined provides memorable and valuable life experiences for your kiddos and for you. So go on, volunteer your hearts out! All of us at GoGo squeeZ® will be cheering you on. 💚 

*Moorfoot N, Leung RK, Toumbourou JW, Catalano RF. The Longitudinal Effects of Adolescent Volunteering on Secondary School Completion and Adult Volunteering. Int J Dev Sci. 2015;9(3-4):115-123. doi: 10.3233/DEV-140148. Epub 2015 Aug 7. PMID: 27458548; PMCID: PMC4957401. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4957401/