10 Kid-Oriented Causes
Support one of these family-focused causes and teach your child the importance of volunteering.
"Your own enthusiasm plays a big role in how children view volunteering," says Jenny Friedman, the Minneapolis-based author of The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering. Another key is working with organizations tailored to children and families. Check out these 10 especially worthy ones:
The Box Project
Sponsor an impoverished rural family by sending monthly gift boxes (see one at left) filled with clothing, food, and more. 800-268-9928
Helping Our Friends (Even the Four-Legged Ones!)
Canine Companions for Independence
Help raise and train a puppy that will eventually assist children and adults with physical disabilities. 866-CCI-DOGS
Heifer International
Donate money for a farm animal (or a share of one), a package including honeybees and a hive to keep them in, or other agricultural supplies that will help a struggling family provide its own food. 800-422-0474
Kid's Stuff USA: Shoe Box Gifts
Decorate a shoe box, then fill it with toys, school supplies, and other items for disadvantaged children. 866-543-7269 (Visit the website and click on United States Programs, then Kid's Stuff USA)
Caring for Those in Need
Locks of Love
Donate your (or your child's) just-cut hair (10-inch minimum) to help create quality hairpieces for children who suffer from the hair loss that can be brought on by a variety of long-term medical illnesses. 888-896-1588
National Hunger Clearinghouse
Collect food for soup kitchens, childcare centers, homeless shelters, food banks, and food pantries. 800-GLEAN-IT
Peter Pan Children's Fund
Join the Peter Pan Birthday Club and help raise money for the children's hospital of your choice. 914-764-9585
Raising Money & Awareness
Pinwheel Project
Donate children's books, art supplies, videos and DVDs, and nonperishable foods to comfort children's-hospital patients and their families. 914-273-7330
Project Linus
Become a "blanketeer" with your child by working to create a handmade blanket for abused and chronically ill children. 309-664-7814
Special Olympics
Help out at competitions by pitching in with food service or by presenting awards to athletes, all of whom are disabled. 202-628-3630
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Copyright © 2004. Reprinted with permission from the December/January 2005 issue of Child magazine.
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