Volunteering and serving communities has been something near and dear to my heart for many years. I have helped in various organizations with projects but my desire to volunteer became stronger after I had my babies. I spent some years serving on the board in a local non-profit and any time I hear of an organization that needs a hand, I try to be involved.
Last year was the first time I really involved my kids and taught them the importance of giving. My co-workers and I solicited donations and purchased items to make Blessing Bags. I took the kids to work with me during their break and w set out the items in an assembly line to fill the bags.
We made about 50 bags maybe more and we set out to deliver them. As we were heading to a location along Main street where we were sure to have an opportunity to share these bags, we came across three police officers on bikes. They asked what we were doing, I responded about the bags and one of the officers said it would end up as litter on the streets. This officer didn't say that it was a bad idea or that we could not hand these out but he obviously did not have a positive response to what we were doing. I responded in kind with why I thought it was a good idea. The reason I bring this up is because not everyone will understand or agree with why you want to help others but it should not deter you from doing it nor keep you from teaching your kids the importance of lending a hand and giving back. Volunteering teaches kids about compassion, empathy, tolerance, and gratitude. And by making it a family activity, they see that this can continue into their adult lives and share it with their own family and friends.
You can plan and organize your own event or activity and get the kids involved. Some ideas:
- Food Drive to collect and donate food to a food bank/pantry
- Deliver meals to a family or Meals on Wheels
- Read to children at a Children's hospital
- Put together a gift or activity box like Operation Christmas Child
- "adopt" a child or family in need and organize a collection to fulfill their wish list.
- Lunches of Love accepts volunteers and donations and you can decorate lunch bags they will use to deliver lunches.
- Clothed by Faith needs volunteers in the warehouse, office, and outreach events.
- Volunteer at area pet rescue organizations: Help rescue dogs
- Plan acts of kindness playdates to draw pictures, make kindness bags, etc
- Go through old clothes and toys and donate items.
- Donate books to a Little Free Library
- Make treats to deliver to fire and police stations
- Make scarves or no sew fleece blankets or covers to take to elderly care facilities.
Last year, a moms group visited Grace Care Center of Katy to spend time with the residents and we brought little gifts such as socks, blankets, and books. Check Dollar General or other dollar stores to find inexpensive items to gift if you will be visiting these facilities.
These organizations are a good place to start to get involved in Houston:
American Red Cross offers teens 15-18 and adults a chance to help with humanitarian efforts at times of emergencies.
Houston Food Bank has two main locations close to downtown, Portwall and Keegan Kitchen where they prepare and package meals (volunteers are 16 and up). Portwall is the main warehouse and a place where groups and families can volunteer. Kids as young as 6 can help with child-friendly tasks and projects.
Houston Zoo has programs for adults, groups, and teens to volunteer. They are not accepting any more applications for adults and teens but check back or call to see about 2017.
Ronald McDonald House has 8 locations throughout the Texas Medical Community Center where individuals and groups can help families. Individual volunteers must be 18 and older and find specific needs to assist. Teen volunteers are 16 years and older and are encouraged to apply for Summer Camp positions. Groups wanting to serve can provide meals, activities, and cookies and all members of the group must be 16 and older. The RMH also has pantry needs and you can donate items from their wishlist.
Other places to volunteer:
Star of Hope
YMCA Jungle Bell Run
St Joseph Medical Center (The Heights) - Jr volunteers in summer months
United Way Tutor a Child
Autumn Grove Alzheimer's care facility
Online resources to find volunteer opportunities:
http://www.volunteerhou.org/
http://volunteerhouston.org/
https://www.teenlife.com/category/volunteer/community-service-in-houston/
http://houstonchildrenscharity.org/houston-childrens-charityour-kids-everybodys-kids/volunteer/
https://www.volunteermatch.org
http://www.allforgood.org/volunteer-opportunities-in-houston-tx
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/tx--houston/volunteer-events/
