Family Giving During the Holiday Season
Get out and give with your family this season! There is no better way to wrap yourself in the true spirit of the season than by giving back and committing to service with the ones you love. From the food bank to the piggy bank, there are plenty of places where GOOD can be done – check out 10 simple but motivating ideas to get your family serving others this season!
1. At the
Food Bank: Find a local food bank and get hands on packing boxes and
sorting food! Don’t know where your
local food bank is? Use FeedingAmerica’s Food Bank Finder!
2. With our Furry Friends:
Kids love animals and what better way to teach compassion and responsibility
than by volunteering at a local no-kill shelter or animal rescue? Connect with your local ASPCA or use their online shelter finder to
start getting involved.
3. From Home to School: Haven’t had a chance to volunteer in your child’s class yet? Make it a family affair to help out from home by making cut outs or prepping art projects for the holiday party.
4. Around the Neighborhood: Your entire family can lend a hand around the neighborhood – rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, organize a community clean up,
5. At
Practice: Giving back can be as simple as showing a little
appreciation – have your kids write a colorful thank you note or create a small
token of appreciation for their Scout leader, coach or extra curricular leader
and deliver at a practice/meeting.
6. In the Kitchen: Some
of the best holiday memories are made cooking, creating and eating together
with family. Make your kitchen time even
more special by baking special treats for a nearby children’s shelter or making
an entire meal for
7. Around Town: Attend local fundraisers as a family like holiday performances, charity gift sales, pumpkin patch fundraisers, you name it! Supporting local causes helps kids develop a greater connection to their wider community and town.
8. Out of the Closet: The cold winter months remind us how lucky we are to have clothes and beds which keep us warm. Help kids understand this is not the case for everyone and even gently used coats, jackets, scarves and blankets are much appreciated by those in need. A winter sweep of your home could yield an inspiring trip to a local re-store or donation center.
9. In the Classroom: Encourage your child’s educational success by being a real presence in the classroom this season. Volunteer to read a fun holiday book for story-time or help advise the much-anticipated holiday party! Tip: Organize classroom volunteers with VolunteerSpot’s free online sign up sheets with automated reminders.
10. From the Piggy Bank: Encourage your kids to research and find a local charity to which they can donate their allowance, or where they can donate an item (toy or food) which they buy with their allowance.
