Volunteering with Kids
Volunteering and doing good in your community is something that everyone, including kids, can benefit from. Not only can you help meet the needs of others in Missoula, but according to kidsgivingback.org, volunteering can help children develop compassion, life skills, and “discover their own strengths and qualities, and use these to help others.”
We’ve reached out to local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for young adults and children, and put together some simple tasks for every day life to help kids learn about giving back.
For simple things you and your children can do together, let’s start with things you can do starting today.
Do Good in Your Neighborhood: Look for neighbors that need sidewalks shoveled, yard work, or other help. These simple tasks can be a burden for the elderly or those with limited mobility. Plus, shoveling helps make the sidewalks safer for everyone in the neighborhood!
DeClutter and Give Back: Getting your child involved in donating is sometimes easier said than done. Including them in the process from start to finish can make it easier and help you teach them about some of the various needs of others and the importance of reducing waste.
In the kitchen, help them go through the cupboards and fill a bag of non-perishables to donate to the Missoula Food Bank.
Once they have outgrown infant toys and baby clothes, work together to compile items for Mountain Home Montana or The YWCA’s Secret Seconds stores.
When you are purchasing new items, talk with your kids about how your old items can find new life and go to a family in need or help raise money for local charities. Donation Warehouse can take used furniture and appliances, while even building materials and supplies can stay out of the landfill at Home Resource.
Donating Makes Cents (and Dollars): Earning money to donate to a local nonprofit is another great way to feel good, while learning some valuable skills.
Save money to donate through chores or with an allowance. One great idea for kids who are getting a weekly allowance is to have them save a portion every week to donate. For example if your child earns $3, divide it up: $1 to spend, $1 to save, and $1 to give. Fiscal responsibility and giving back for the win!
Fundraising. Bake sales, lemonade stands, even birthday parties can be a great way to help a nonprofit. If your child has an entrepreneurial spirit, work with them to coordinate a fundraiser or bake sale to earn money to donate. In lieu of presents, talk with your child about collecting donations for a local nonprofit during their next birthday party and include the request on the birthday party invitation.
Art With a Purpose:
At Family’s First Learning Lab’s mobile exhibits, each one ends with a way to give back. For example at their “stuffed animal vet clinics” kids can make toys for shelter animals at the Humans Society. They have even created Valentine’s for home bound senior citizens. To find out about their upcoming exhibits or to get involved, make sure to follow them on Facebook or visit their website.
Here are some other ideas from local nonprofit organizations about some of the volunteer opportunities available!
Missoula Food Bank
All ages are welcome, but preschool and up tend to have the most fun. For the younger volunteers, most jobs include repackaging food, such as scooping rice into bags for the store or putting crackers into baggies for the EmPower Pack program. Middle school and high school aged kids can volunteer independently. They have a flexible schedule and can work with you to find a volunteer schedule that works best for you.
If you are interested in volunteering, visit the Missoula Food Bank’s website and fill out their volunteer application.
Ronald McDonald House
This wonderful organization provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close to their hospitalized child. They truly have a volunteer opportunity for everyone. One of the most popular is through their “Meals that Heal” program. Teresa Windham, Development and Volunteer Coordinator for RMHC, shared with us about one young volunteer who loves to cook at the house. “He plans the menu, helps with the grocery shopping and then brings a three ring binder with his favorite recipes to our House and, along with his family, cooks dinner for families staying here.” Even having our kids bake and decorate cookies while the adults cook dinner is a welcome addition. If there are siblings staying out the house, children (along with their parent) are even able to stop by and do some arts and crafts!
Children can also stop by and pick up a “Change for RMHC” box to fill with their saved or earned money or they can help fulfill RMHC’s “wish list” of every day items. The staff does a great job of celebrating kids and making them feel good about their giving! Visit their website for even more ways you can be involved!
Animeals
Younger kids will love visiting Animeals and spending some time playing with and socializing some new feline friends as part of the “Kitty Fun Comittee”. There are also numerous opportunities to help out with everything from office work to cleaning and maintenance. For young kids, they just ask that the parent stay with them to supervise, but would love to have you stop by and find a volunteer opportunity that works best for you and your family. You can stop by during their regular hours and start volunteering right away after filling out the volunteer application, or visit their website for information about different ways you can support them and to fill out a volunteer application.
Imagine Missoula
This wonderful local group of volunteers, help their neighbors and community by meeting every day needs. Volunteers will need to fill out a quick form online, and children under 16 should have a parent present, but this is a great way to for your children to help others. Most of the current needs include yard work, snow shoveling, handywork, painting, moving/lifting, moving and driving someone to errands. For more information, visit their website here or join the facebook group to see some of the current opportunities!