I hope to instill in my son that when times are tough we show up and lend a helping hand, in whatever way we can.
There are many benefits to involving your kids in giving back. Giving back doesn’t have to equate to money. Donating your time can have the same impact. Volunteering can help social development, promote healthy choices and even fuel responsibility. Your family will make memories together while assisting your community.
Here are some ways to get involved and volunteer with your kids on the Seacoast and beyond:
1. Learn how to sew together for a good cause:
Project Linus is here to provide ill and traumatized children with hand sewn blankets during their time of need. It has been running for over 25 years and has helped give out over 8 million blankets. No previous experience? No problem! They have a “no sew pattern” for beginners and children. Give back by learning a new skill and spend time together helping others.
2. Put some color in a child’s life:
Helping improve foster children’s experience since 2008, Together We Rise is a non-profit with a wide range of ways to give back. Sponsor a birthday box or even a bike. In addition, another way to involve the kids is to decorate one of the“safer at home kits.” Most often foster children are given a trash bag to carry their things instead of a suitcase. If you choose to do the Sweet Case project TWR provides children with their own duffel bag. Filled with basic necessities, the panels from the duffel bag is sent to your home to decorate. Kids then receive a happy, colorful duffel bag to use. Help brighten up a child’s life and give back at the same time. Alternatively, reach out to the local New Hampshire Foster and Adoptive Parent Association serving children and families in the Granite State.
3. Partner with a local shelter or food bank:
Currently food insecurity is on the rise, even here on the Seacoast. Volunteering with your kids on the Seacoast can be as easy as helping with collecting canned food. Organize a virtual food drive, have the drop off location be at your home. Include your mom friends and neighbors and have your kids pitch in.
Thanksgiving is most likely going to look different this year. If you’re hosting, have your kids decorate a box that guests can leave donations in.
Our Neighbors Table encourages kids to write notes(preferably on a 4×6 notecard) of holiday cheer to be given to guests with their holiday groceries this year. Gather in Portsmouth asks for volunteers to help by shopping for elders and delivering meals. All things kiddos of any age can assist with.