Did you know that November 4th is National Community Service Day? Participating in community service and volunteer opportunities with your family is a great way to help your child increase their empathy, establish lifelong habits, and do good in their neighborhood. 

But, combing through the many community service opportunities available, especially during the holiday season, can easily become overwhelming. Plus, you want to make sure you choose an activity that is appropriate for your child’s age and level of development. Luckily, the team at Sawyer is here to help you find the perfect volunteer opportunities and community service ideas for your family.

Community service for kids

• Volunteer opportunities for kids
• ~How to find the right volunteer opportunities for your kids
• ~Community service ideas for kids
• Family volunteer opportunities

Volunteer opportunities for kids

When deciding on volunteering opportunities for kids, there are a few elements to consider. If you want your child to enjoy their experience and stick with it, then it is best to spend the extra time going through these questions to find the perfect volunteer opportunity.

How to find the right volunteer opportunities for your kids

Is this opportunity appropriate for my child? This should be your number one priority when choosing a volunteer opportunity for your child. You need to think about whether or not your child can or should be participating in this type of community service. 

1. Will your child be able to physically participate? If you are planning to volunteer at a soup kitchen, will they be able to stand up for the whole time? Carry heavy items in the kitchen? Clear dishes safely? If you don’t think that they are ready for this type of activity, then this isn’t the right volunteer opportunity for your family at this time.
2. Will your child feel comfortable in this environment? Some community service opportunities can be overwhelming for children (and even adults). Will the location be loud or stressful? Will your child be frightened at all? If you feel like the community service opportunity would make your child uncomfortable, then this is not the right one for your family.
3. Does this type of opportunity interest your child? If you can find an opportunity that fits into your child’s interests, then you will increase the likelihood that they will want to continue to participate over time. For example, if your child loves the environment, then a park cleanup might be a good option for them. Likewise, if they love animals, maybe they will want to volunteer at the local animal shelter.
4. Does this opportunity allow children to volunteer? This is a simple one. Double check on their website or give them a call to make sure that your family can participate.

Community service ideas for kids

What are the different types of volunteer opportunities for kids? We’ve outlined some of our favorite community service ideas for kids and families to consider. Remember that this list isn’t exhaustive: speak with your child first to determine what they are interested in and then use that information to make your decision together.

1. Food bank or soup kitchen. Older children might enjoy the social aspect of serving people in a soup kitchen, but younger children might have difficulty with the physical aspects of that type of community service. Instead, younger children can spend their time collecting and organizing food for a food bank.
2. Community cleanup. Picking up trash in a local park or outdoor area, planting seeds, and spending time outdoors beautifying the neighborhood are great volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages.
3. Animal shelter. If your child is an animal lover, they might enjoy volunteering at a local shelter. Depending on their age, children might be able to walk some dogs, cuddle with cats, and help with feeding and keeping the kennels clean.
4. Retirement community or assisted living home. Volunteering with older people is a great way to brighten their days and help your child learn about another generation. Volunteers can sing songs, make crafts, serve food, or just sit and chat with the residents.
5. Walking or running for a fundraiser. If your child likes sports and being active, they can volunteer by raising money for a walkathon or to run a specific distance.

Family volunteer opportunities

One of the best ways to encourage your child to participate in community service is by joining them! When your child sees that you are getting involved, they will feel more excited about volunteering. Plus, you can bundle this community service with family holidays to create new traditions. Check out our full article with Thanksgiving family traditions to see if you can fit volunteering into the mix this holiday season.

Here are some ideas for family volunteer opportunities that you can do during the holidays and beyond.

1. Organize or donate to a toy drive. If there is one thing children know, it’s toys. Work with your child to find great toys to donate to a local toy drive that will help children less fortunate have a better time over the holidays. You and your child will enjoy the experience of shopping and spreading joy to others in the community.
2. Create winter bags for home unstable people. Go to the local pharmacy with your child and get the essentials to create winter bags for home unstable people in your community. You can include warm socks, gloves, and a hat, Emergen-C, Advil, hand warmers, small water bottles, a toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, and small packages of trail mix, crackers, and other non perishable snacks.
3. Serve holiday meals. Holidays are some of the best days to volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen because you get to share the holiday with people in need. Your whole family can get involved in this type of community service because younger children can sit and chat with the community members as they enjoy their meal and older children and adults can serve and clean up.
4. Rake leaves and shovel snow for neighbors. As a family, head out into the neighborhood and help keep it clean. Your community will thank you and your family will enjoy the experience of getting outside and being active together.

Whatever family volunteer opportunities you choose, we hope that community service becomes a great family tradition that you continue for years to come. Giving back to the community helps children develop empathy and grow as people.

We hope this list of volunteering and community service ideas for kids and families has provided you with inspiration to help your family give back this year. Plus, if you are looking for great in-person and online activities and after school programs for children of all ages, check out Sawyer!