Volunteering is a great way to teach kids about empathy and compassion. And giving your time to help others feels good. Volunteering with your family can be fun. You might even find that doing an activity together can make your family feel closer.
Kids and teens who volunteer may:
Volunteer projects come in all sizes. You might want to start small, like spending an hour helping someone you know. Or you can make a bigger commitment, like going to a homeless shelter or animal rescue every week. Some families pick a favorite project and make it a yearly tradition, like filling gift baskets for seniors around the holidays.
Here are some ideas:
To find a project, search online or call a charity that does work your family cares about. Try a hospital, a community service agency, or your place of worship. Check your state’s website to see if they have an office of volunteerism. Some families choose to help after a disaster in the U.S. or abroad. You also can ask the reference librarian at your local library for ideas.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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