Let's Volunteer: Family Philanthropy

Finding Ways to Volunteer Together

Making time to do volunteer work is important, but it's always hard to find the time. The easiest way to make it a priority is to get your child involved -- you'll bond as you help out in the community. If you already have a cause that your family cares about, find a way to include your child. He can help you plant trees in a local park or hand out water at a 5K race. If your child has a talent or an interest, brainstorm a way to use it: Could her dance class perform their routine at the nursing home? Thinking small can also have a big impact: Walking your elderly neighbor's dog will make a difference in his life. Through volunteering, your child will learn an important lesson about helping others.

10 Fun Volunteering Ideas

• If you don't have a favorite charity or cause, hang on to this clip-and-save list of easy ways to give back with your child.
• Collect canned goods or clothes for a local group or shelter.
• Make cookies for a bake sale.
• Pick up litter in your neighborhood park or playground.
• Set up a lemonade stand to benefit our troops or a local hospital.
• For her next birthday party, ask for donations instead of gifts, or donate a few of her old toys together before the celebration.
• Do yard work, go grocery shopping, or bring the garbage cans in from the curb for an elderly neighbor.
• Hand out flyers or stuff and stamp envelopes for an event in your area.
• Collect books for your local library's book drive.
• Raise money to fight a disease that has affected a family member or friend.

Need to find a charity to donate your time or money to? Check out charitynavigator.org. The site has an excellent rating system, and you can easily find local and national groups by cause.

• charitynavigator.org

Originally published in the July 2008 issue of Parents magazine.