3 Ways For Your Kids to Volunteer During a Pandemic

Helping kids develop a spirit of generosity and kindness through volunteering

We’ve all read The Giving Tree to our kids to teach them about love, generosity, and kindness. But how do we make sure our kids don’t become the Boy who only knows how to ask and take? One way to help children develop a sense of community, hope, and goodwill is through volunteering.

Kids who volunteer are more successful in school because these opportunities teach them essential life skills such as planning and teamwork. They also learn how to engage with people with different backgrounds and experiences, according to Peter Levine, former director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning at Tufts University.

More importantly, volunteering allows kids to feel like they can do something to fix what’s wrong. Instead of just seeing, hearing, and internalizing negative news— such as global warming, disease, and civil injustice, children can learn how to help others in need and make a difference.

Volunteering during a pandemic is challenging since you may not be comfortable congregating, but there are still ways you can get your kids in the spirit of helping and giving without risking their health. Here are three ideas.

1. Set up a donation fund for a nonprofit organization.

Create a donation piggy bank and decide on a cause you want to champion as a family. Then, find a nonprofit organization that supports your cause, whether it’s the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for animal protection or local pet shelters. Perhaps it’s fighting for civil liberties with the ACLU or helping people dealing with emergency situations through the Red Cross. From finding a cure for a particular disease to protecting our environment, there are nonprofits for practically all causes!

Next is where the fun really begins — fundraising. First, set a target or deadline. Have the kids go around the house and find loose change—in drawers, under the sofa, inside coat pockets, and so on. Encourage them to put the change they gather into the donation bank. Suggest giving part of their allowance for the cause or asking for a donation for their cause in lieu of a treat or gift, too.

When you reach the target or deadline, have the kids write a thank you letter to the organization with the check you enclose.

2. Organize a donation drive for a local shelter.

Shelters are always in need of food, toys, clothes, and toiletries. Your kids can help organize a donation drive for a local shelter by creating posters, manning a collection table on the sidewalk, and even sorting the items. Just check with the shelter about what items they need before starting.

Or, it can be as simple as participating in a local drive. For example, Barnes & Noble runs a holiday book drive where you can buy a book for a child in need, and New York Cares runs a winter coat drive. Local pantries often have food drives. To participate, kids can look inside home pantries and closets to see what they can collect and donate.

3. Volunteer family time.

Parks have been a haven for many of us during this pandemic, which unfortunately means more trash scattered across the grounds. Consider helping out by picking up trash around a nearby park as a family activity. Just be sure family members wear gloves, uses some kind of trash picker, and avoid anything potentially hazardous.

You could also call your local food pantries to see if you can decorate holiday bags at home and make a family day of it. Or, just thank the heroes in your community— a simple thank you warms a heart and brings a smile. Families can make Thank You posters or signs to show their appreciation for their community workers: those who are delivering packages, groceries, or meals to their homes; sanitation workers; and even neighbors and passersby who can use cheering up.

As The Giving Tree teaches us we always have ways to help others. By teaching them about volunteering, you’re instilling the value of compassion in your kids and showing them how everyone can make a difference.

For more ideas, check out the organization GivingTuesday and TimeOut New York’s list of volunteering opportunities for kids.