We know that it can be hard to plan volunteer activities that involve kids, but there are so many opportunities in the Twin Cities to serve, especially in the winter! We have such an amazing, diverse population, and no matter what your family is into, there are lots of ways to serve others in our communities.
It doesn’t matter if your children are 2 or 18 or if you have one or four. There are tons of ways kids can serve others and give back to the community. Get them involved in choosing one (or a few!) of these easy service ideas and they’ll be more invested when they help out.
We would encourage you to consider getting your kids involved in community volunteering this year. Even if it doesn’t take a long time, the effects will last and benefit not only those you serve but your family, too!
Learn more about additional ways you and your kids can get involved in your local communities.
20 Ways to Serve with Your Family in the Twin Cities (or your Neighborhood!)
- Drop off pet food, blankets, or towels to the Animal Humane Society (there are several locations across the metro)
- Donate fresh towels and linens to Haven Housing, a Twin Cities-based women’s shelter
- Choose a few items to donate from the needs list at People Serving People
- Choose items as a family from the Ronald McDonald House of the Upper Midwest’s Amazon Wishlist
- Draw pictures or write letters to send to soldiers.
- Make thank-you gifts and hand them out to cashiers, custodians, bus drivers, or other people who help in the community.
- Leave a note in the mailbox for your mail carrier.
- Leave treats on your porch for delivery drivers bringing packages to your house.
- Collect warm winter coats, gear, and clothing for Joseph’s Coat
- Collect items from friends and neighbors for the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery needs list
- Volunteer at VEAP Food Pantry (children 9 and up can volunteer)
- Take thank you cards to first responders.
- Sign up to volunteer to shovel for a senior when it snows 2″ or more.
- Decorate placemats or lunch bags for Meals on Wheels.
- Pack hygiene kits for Agate Housing and Services
- Walk a neighbor’s dog.
- Help package food for hungry children (Feed My Starving Children is a great place to volunteer).
- Help prepare a meal and bring it to a neighbor or friend.
- Help organize a food collection in your neighborhood or community for a local food pantry
- Donate books to Literacy Minnesota
We would encourage you to consider getting your kids involved in community volunteering this year. Even if it doesn’t take a long time, the effects will last and benefit not only those you serve but your family, too!
Learn more about additional ways you and your kids can get involved in your local communities.
