How to Choose The Best Volunteer Activities For Your Family

by Sandi Schwartz

Volunteering as a family is such a wonderful way to bond and do something good for the community. When we make others happy, we experience an amazing biological phenomenon called a “helper’s high” that is the result of our brain releasing chemicals called endorphins. We experience an energy in our body that is similar to the rush we feel after we exercise. These positive feelings make our kids happier and healthier by reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression.

Finding the right family volunteer activities can be overwhelming at times. You may feel uncertain about what is expected and question whether your children can participate. It is important that your children feel comfortable where you volunteer, get inspired by the work you do, and enjoy themselves. They need these three components in order to reap all the amazing benefits of volunteering. Plus, we want them to love helping others so they continue to do so for a lifetime.

When searching for the appropriate activity, consider the following priorities:

Project Focus

The first step is to brainstorm as a family to decide what types of volunteer activities you are interested in doing. Ask your children who they would like to help. Is there a particular cause they feel passionate about, such as feeding homeless people, making art for other children, helping animals, or visiting the elderly or sick? What interests, skills, and talents do your family members have? Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Do you wish to work directly with people or do something quietly like painting or pulling weeds? The options are endless, so it is important to narrow down your choices and focus on projects that your family will get the most out of.

Organization’s Mission

Do your research before you sign up with a specific organization. Find out the group’s history and how it got started, the goals and mission, who the leaders are, and how it is funded. Check their website, social platforms, and search online for press coverage. If possible, ask a current or past volunteer about what it is like to volunteer for the organization.

Location

Next, you will want to make sure you search for projects that are close to home so you don't have to drag your kids far to volunteer. Check your local parenting magazine, call charitable organizations, or search online to find the perfect places for kids to volunteer in your area.

Cost

Although rare, check to see if there are any fees to volunteer. You may also want to consider any other costs involved like travel, required clothing or equipment, or requested products or monetary donations.

Time Commitment

Decide how much time you have to volunteer. It could be once a week, once a month, or once a year. Start slow and gradually increase your involvement if the project is working out well. You may choose to volunteer with different organizations each time to expose your children to a wide variety of experiences.

Age Range Guidelines

Look for activities that your whole family can participate in. Before you commit to a project, check to see if there are any age requirements listed. It may take some hunting around, but you should be able to find age-appropriate options. Even babies can be in tow for nursing home visits, charity walks, and beach clean ups.

Activity Expectations

Before you show up, find out exactly what you will be doing. Will there be heavy lifting involved? Will you be getting dirty? Will the project be too repetitive for your kids? Make sure the activity is something that your kids will actually enjoy before you invest your time.

Safety

No matter what, safety needs to come first when children are involved. You may want to avoid going to activities in neighborhoods that make you uncomfortable. Your kids may be scared to talk to strangers, so consider starting with familiar people and places. As they get older, you can start to venture out and expose them to more mature situations.

Fun Factor

Finally, if it isn’t an enjoyable experience for your kids, you risk them not wanting to volunteer in the future. Choose projects that involve your children in a fun way, but also teach and inspire them. Avoid topics and activities that are too serious and sad for young children. Be sure to engage with them afterwards and ask what they thought, and if they would be willing to do it again.

Local Places Where Kids Can Volunteer

Boys 2 Men Girls 2 Women

Fresno • (559) 225-9300 • info@boys2mengirls2women.org • High Schoolers Ages 16 and up

Our volunteer program is a great opportunity for High School and College students to expand their skills. Our motto is, "You save one child, you save a whole generation." Visit boys2mengirls2women.org to learn more.

Central California Food Bank

Fresno • (559) 237-3663 ext. 1140 • volunteermanager@ccfoodbank.org • Ages 5 and up

Volunteers will be packing meals in boxes, assembling emergency meal boxes and bags, or sorting produce prior to distribution to our families, children, and individuals in need. Children ages 5–15 are welcomed with an adult.

Episcopal Church of the Saviour Soup Kitchen

Hanford • volunteer@ecsaviour.org • Ages 10 and up

Volunteers are needed Mondays–Saturdays 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. We prepare and serve over 100 hot lunches per day to anyone who is hungry. In addition to hot meals, we make and distribute grocery bags, toiletries, breads, and cookies. Come join us for a fulfilling day of service while building your resume! First time volunteers under 18 years old need to be accompanied by a parent.

Fresno County Public Library

Central Valley • (559) 600-9230 • volunteer@fresnolibrary.org • Teenagers and up

Volunteers derive personal growth and fulfillment as they contribute their time and skills to meet the learning and information needs of the public the library serves. Friendship, education, recognition, and genuine satisfaction in a job well done are among the rewards of volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of the Fresno County Public Library system.

Poverello House

Fresno • (559) 498-6988 ext. 125 • volunteer@poverellohouse.org • Ages 7 and up

Founded by Mike "Papa Mike" McGarvin, Poverello House is celebrating its 50th year of service in the community. Starting with one man serving peanut butter sandwiches out of his pickup truck in Fresno's Chinatown, Poverello House now serves over 3,500 hot meals every day. In keeping with our humble beginnings, we have family-friendly sack lunch preparation shifts available. Poverello House is committed to enriching the lives and spirits of all who pass our way. Visit poverellohouse.org to learn more.

Reading Heart

Fresno • info@readingheart.org • Ages 2 and up

Reading Heart is a book donation program dedicated to serving children in hospitals, schools, and underrepresented areas that have limited access to books. Volunteers are needed for book sorting, labeling books, and cleaning books. Families welcome!

Tree Fresno

Fresno • (559) 221-5556 • info@treefresno.org • All ages

Tree Fresno is a small, urban non-profit serving the Central San Joaquin Valley. During planting season, which runs from October–May, there are opportunities for children and families to help plant trees in parks and other locations. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities and volunteering, please visit treefresno.org to sign up for the Tree Fresno newsletter.

Valley Animal Center

Fresno • (559) 233-8690 • volunteer@valleyanimal.org • Ages 5 and up

Valley Animal Center, the largest private no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in the Central Valley, offers volunteer opportunities in various areas. Children 5 years and older are welcome to volunteer, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. They can volunteer at our adoption centers by helping clean, doing laundry, and socializing with animals. Opportunities to help at events are also available.