Almost every conversation during the holiday season revolves around the word “thankfulness,” making this the perfect time of the year to help your children understand the meaning of being thankful. One of the many ways to do that is through community service.
Volunteering is an enriching experience for all involved, and there are now more opportunities, and more reasons, than ever for families to volunteer together.
Reasons to get involved:
- It feels good. Satisfaction and pride come from helping others.
- It strengthens community. Organizations that use volunteers provide services at low or no cost to those in need.
- It can strengthen the family. Families can have fun and feel closer. Select one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition.
What do children learn?
- A sense of responsibility. Children learn how to be on time, do their best and be proud of the results.
- One person can make a difference.
- The benefit of sacrifice. Giving a toy to a child who is less fortunate helps children learn that it’s good to sacrifice. Volunteering to clean up a park teaches children that there are more important things besides us and our needs.
- Tolerance. Volunteering allows children to be in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities and ages.
How to get involved?
- The internet offers a lot of information about volunteering. You can begin your search by logging on to Yahoo! Directory and typing “community service and volunteerism organizations” in the search box.
- Call a local charity, church or hospital.
Community service makes a lasting impression on children. They quickly learn that the service they provide impacts real people, and they feel good about it.
