Even small hands can make a big difference. As you fill your calendar with parties and shopping lists, consider making time to give back. Finding volunteer opportunities creates cherished memories, teaches generosity and connects you with the community.

Organizations in your area may have specific roles for kids, letting them enjoy the holiday cheer. Here are five places to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Library

If it’s your first time volunteering, consider heading to the library. Your local branch is safe, warm and familiar, making it ideal for families. Your library may need people to shelve books, help the circulation desk or support community outreach initiatives. This low-pressure environment is excellent for teaching responsibility and encouraging their love for books.

Ask your local library about seasonal events like holiday parties and book sales. Your children could greet people at the door, set up stations and clean up afterward. Older ones could help the library plan teen programs and create artistic displays.

Animal Shelter

Families who love animals may find joy by volunteering at a local shelter. This opportunity teaches children empathy and compassion for all creatures, especially those that need more love. A little love can go a long way during the winter, which can be lonely and stressful for cats and dogs.

Ask your local shelter about specific tasks for kids, such as creating toys or organizing supplies. Some encourage children to practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to the animals. The animals get socialization and calmness, while your kids benefit from enrichment.

Food Bank

The holidays can heighten food insecurity for families in your area. Nationwide, 47 million people face daily challenges with hunger. Consider spending time at your local food bank to make a tangible difference in your community. These agencies consistently need volunteers to meet the increased demand.

Little ones can contribute to food banks by sorting donated items like cans and boxes. Make it a family affair by creating an assembly line and packing holiday meal kits. Older kids may take on more responsibility by weighing donations or stocking shelves.

Community Garden

Community gardens are another essential food source in the community, even in the winter. Depending on your local climate, it’s typical to see leafy greens and root vegetables. For instance, lettuce requires up to 60 days for growth and can withstand winter frost.

Children can volunteer at community gardens by winterizing garden beds with mulch or tidying up pathways. Spring is around the corner, so it’s a great time to organize seed packets. Prioritize community gardens in dense urban areas, as experts say they’re more valuable to people with less personal outdoor space.

Nursing Home

The holiday season can be lonely for seniors, so consider bringing your children to nursing homes. Your family’s visit can teach the importance of caring for elders and demonstrate kindness. These caregiving facilities have numerous volunteer opportunities for kids.

Nursing home volunteering is suitable for children, as tasks may include playing board games and engaging in arts and crafts. During the holiday season, they may walk through the halls and sing holiday songs. Even reading a story can brighten someone’s week and make the holidays more enjoyable.

Why Encourage Your Family to Volunteer

Volunteering gives back to your children and the community, making it a terrific activity for your family. From nursing homes to libraries, your kids can build empathy and compassion. Sorting toys for others or singing carols to seniors helps them learn about kindness and the needs of others.

Volunteering is also great for the long run. For instance, kids can build their resumes by using skills to give back to their community. If they spend time at a food bank, they demonstrate their organizing and communication skills. Ultimately, they’re creating shared memories that are different from the typical holiday hustle.

Encouraging Family Volunteering During the Holidays

This holiday season, the most meaningful gift could be time spent volunteering. Take your family to an animal shelter, a nursing home or another local organization that needs assistance. Each day you spend helping teaches powerful lessons in empathy and shows your kids the joy of giving.