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As the holidays approach and COVID-19 restrictions lift, many families are starting to think about how to give back to their communities. While volunteers are always needed year-round, traditionally, the giving season starts with Thanksgiving.
If you’re a parent who wants your child to practice generosity — and perhaps some communal responsibility — during the holidays, volunteer opportunities are one way to do so. Here are some ideas for how you and your family can safely volunteer during the holidays.
Holiday volunteer ideas
There are many benefits to volunteering — of which stress reduction, strengthening the immune system, and increasing optimism and joy are a few. “Volunteering and learning how to help others is a great way to instill holiday spirit into your children,” pediatrician Dr. Steph Lee told Mom.com. “Make sure to give them a few choices so they can get excited about the activity they pick.”
For other families, it is a way to repay the generosity they once received. “It's important for us to give back as a family, because when I was a poor single mom, the only way we had Christmas was through this same program,” artisan folk school founder Laura Sampson told Mom.com.
Organize a food drive
While local food banks always need food — especially during the summer months — the holidays are when most people remember. Call your local food bank or pantry about how to organize a food drive in your neighborhood. Remember that they’re often flooded with requests during this time, so you may want to ask specifically what goods they may need.
Bonus tip: Many people don’t realize that in addition to canned goods and non-perishable items, you can also donate money, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and toiletries.
Give your time
As cliché as it sounds, sometimes the only thing people need is your time. Your children can help neighbors rake leaves, shovel snow, bring garbage cans in or out, or bake goodies or make holiday cards to spread cheer.
Run a toy drive
Whether it’s through the super-famous “Toys for Tots” toy drive run by the U.S. Marines or getting your children involved in choosing a brand-new toy for kids in need, this is a relatable way for kids to participate.
Writer Danielle M. Wilson and her kids collect brand-new toys for children spending the holidays being treated at a children’s hospital, or for families whose parents were once incarcerated and starting a new life. “It’s important to us that our kids know that at any moment in time, a family may face obstacles and are unable to buy presents for their kids,” she told Mom.com. “It’s a great way for them to give back and appreciate what they have.”
Shop for local kids in need or in group homes
Some schools have programs where kids in the school needing assistance are identified by the counselors and teachers, and then fellow school families can shop for their presents. “The kids don’t know who they were shopping for, just that they are peers,” Miranda Wicker told Mom.com. “This year we’re doing a drive for one of our local group homes, so we’ll be picking up lots of tween girl items that the home’s coordinators will wrap and give for the holidays.”
Keep in mind that you may have a difficult time finding activities for kids under 18 years old. “I would love to volunteer more with my kids, but I have found it hard finding opportunities that will include children,” said Washington mom of two Lisa Olsen to Mom.com. She’s shopped and donated for food banks, picked donation gift tickets from a “giving tree,” done park clean-ups, and volunteered with her daughter at their local food bank processing center. “Other than that, every opportunity I’ve found is 18 and up.”
Virtual volunteering opportunities
Given the busyness of the holiday season, your kids can also do online volunteering — especially if your children are older or have computer skills. Virtual volunteering is a way to help organizations by using a computer or mobile device. These activities don’t make as many headlines, but they’re still vital to support communities and people in need.
Some examples of virtual volunteering ideas are:
- “Adopting” an elderly person without family and sending letters or cards, or making video calls
- Older teens can volunteer to offer online tutoring to younger students
- Younger children can practice reading by scheduling online video calls with animal shelters and reading books to shelter pets
How to volunteer safely
Of course, though the many COVID restrictions have eased and children 5 and older can now receive the COVID vaccine, you should still follow the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for holidays and being in public, such as wearing a mask indoors, maintaining proper social distancing, and getting vaccinated.
“If you're doing a group activity, keeping children healthy this holiday means staying protected against severe illness by getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Lee. “The flu vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and up, and the COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for ages 5 and up. Call your pediatrician to find out about vaccine availability.”
