Help Finding a Volunteer Activity for the Family

Have you tried Habitat for Humanity? That's very hands on. I don't know if they will let you daughter come, she might be too young, but it might be something fun for mother/son time?

C.,
There's an organization called Small World that is currently collecting holiday gifts for 'Angels.' They need help distributing those gifts to the families. (The distribution takes place at a location in Frisco.) If you and your family would like to help, you can contact Randi Davis at ____@____.com or Denise Wharton at ____@____.com (I also have their phone numbers if you need them.)
Good luck!
L.

There are many nursing homes or care centers around where you can sign up to come play games or entertain the senior citizens there. I know some even have an "Adopt-a-Grandparent" program available.

In Plano, there is a service called "Information and Referral" (at least that's what it used to be called) which will give you volunteer information.

I want to congratulate you and developing these wonderful traits in your children. You are a wise mom to model this compassion for them and WITH them.

I'm impressed and grateful!

Try calling the Samaritan Inn in McKinney and see what their needs are for families volunteering. I know that our church's youth group volunteers, and there are a wide range of needs (it's Collin County's only homeless shelter). There are many families with kids staying there, so your family might volunteer to tutor kids. You could help with older kids, your 11 year old could help with elementary kids, and your 5 year old could teach songs, rhymes, etc to toddlers (with supervision, of course!). Your family could also plan together a craft or activity to share with the kids in the shelter. It might also be helpful to your kids to work with families and kids like themselves who are in need. Congratulations on making such an important contribution with your family!

Hi C.,

My son and I volunteer every quarter and during the holidays at the Food Bank and the Holiday Store in Carrollton. At the food bank, we unpack and sort food items. At the holiday store, we haven't done it yet, so I'm not sure what to expect..we are going this weekend.

I also wanted something hands-on that I could do with my son besides drop off items at the Goodwill store. Usually it's just a couple hours, like an 11-1 shift.

I am not sure how how young they will allow children to participate (my son is 10), but you can contact David Winkler at ____@____.com for more info. Good luck! L.

Call either the Frisco Chamber of Commerce or the City of Plano has a volunteer section on their website.

Good luck.

We started volunteering with the Relay For Life event. It is an all night walkathon to help promote cancer awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society. It's a great way for kids to learn to give back and to become involved as a family. Since it runs all night (literally), the kids "camp out" with us and walk the walk. They happen all over the country but the one we assist with is in Coppell. Our kids are 5, 3 and 2 and we just thought it would be a great family event where we can not only donate financially, but donate our time and talents, as well...good luck!

CCA (Christian Community Action) in Lewisville has lots of volunteer activities available, such as staffing one of the angel trees at a mall. Short time commitment, kids could go.

Also, check through churchs in your area. For example, First United Methodist in Lewisville has a community wide Thanksgiving dinner and always need people to help serve on Thanksgiving Day. I think there's even a kids area that the kid's can help out with. And most churches have lots of wonderful service opportunities for kids.

Good luck!