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A family picks up litter on a beach as part of a volunteering activity.

10 Ways to Volunteer with Family

November 19, 2021

Wonderful things happen when families volunteer together. Serving can bring your family together and is rewarding in more ways than one. Check out the top reasons to volunteer as a family from Kids Health – you can strengthen your family while benefitting the community, and kids learn responsibility, job skills, and more. Be creative and think of volunteering at places with which your family has a connection. Let children help decide where your family should serve.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Illustration of two adults holding hands with a child standing between them.

Sponsor a Refugee Family – Utah is approved to receive 765 Afghan refugees Governor Cox office tells us. Volunteer as a family to help refugees through the IRC. Many opportunities exist including donating supplies for cleaning, hygiene, and creating a new home through the “Light One Candle” initiative. Monetary donations are always appreciated. Youth can earn money to donate or choose a gift from the IRC refugee wish list.

Illustration of a family with two adults, a child, a cat, and a dog sitting together.

Foster a Pet – Save the life of an animal by providing a temporary home for a pet through Best Friends Animal Society or the Humane Society.

Simple illustration of a green tree with a gray trunk on a white background.

Plant a Tree – Organize a family tree planting project through Tree Utah.

A green light bulb with plant leaves growing inside it, symbolizing eco-friendly ideas.

Light the World – Let your children put money into a vending machine that allows them to choose a chicken, pig, beehive, or water for those in need around the world. There are 10 locations throughout the country including the Utah location at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City.

Illustration of a green and navy blue backpack with pockets and a buckle on the front.

Adopt a Family Close to Home – You may be surprised to learn that at most schools in Utah there are many students living below the poverty level and suffering from food insecurity or experiencing homelessness. Check with the school your children attend to learn of opportunities to help struggling students.

A rectangular green gift box tied with a navy and cream ribbon.

Give a Gift – Forgo cousin or extended family gifts and use the funds to purchase items for those in need at an organization of your choosing. You could even host a baby shower in your neighborhood, office, community, or congregation to support organizations like Joyful Welcome!

Two closed books stacked on top of each other, one with a bookmark.

Tutor a Child – Catholic Community Services connects youth tutors to refugee foster children that need assistance with school work and learning a new language.

Illustration of a paper grocery bag with bread, leafy greens, and vegetables inside.

Feed America – Lending a hand can be as simple as grabbing a few extra items at the grocery store. Allow children to choose items to donate as you gather groceries for your family. Most grocery stores have a donation drop off location or you can take items to the local Food Bank.

Two hands, one green and one gray, form a heart shape in a simple, outlined design.

Show Kindness – Teach children to love everyone including those that may be different from them. Take a tour of an Encircle home that provides a safe place for LGBQT youth or do crafts with children at “The Road Home” shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

How do you volunteer? Let us know how your family serves in your community on our Facebook page!