Page 36 - Inspire Health November/December 2015
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Volunteerwith Your Kids
By Michele Robert Poche
With so many 2. Play Secret Santa. Know 6. Be a Friend to the Animals.
kids addicted to someone in your community who Bring your child with you to volunteer
electronic games, is struggling with financial or health at an animal shelter. Filling food bowls,
good old‑fashioned hobbies like concerns? Surprise them with a special walking dogs or helping at a fundraising
painting, journaling and musicianship gift. It could be a Christmas tree, a event are all activities children will enjoy.
are slowly disappearing. It’s a great household need or money. Just be sure The furry “thank you” they’ll receive is sure
time to get back to basics. Why not to give anonymously. Your children will to have them smiling all the way home.
introduce volunteering to your children? learn that truly giving is not about getting
Volunteerism is enriching, versatile, credit or being thanked. 7. Support the Troops. Many
military personnel are away during the
selfless and constructive. No one ever 3. Sponsor a Family. Many religious holidays and would be grateful for a
walked away from it thinking, “Well, that and charitable organizations coordinate special message from home. Have your
was an hour wasted.” these opportunities. Adopt a family with child create a card and write a message,
children, and have your kids assist in draw a picture or enclose something to
But where can you start? selecting gifts of clothes, toys and books. send to someone in the active service. In
Consider your children’s ages addition to honoring their sacrifice and
and interests. Advance planning will 4. Donate to a Food Bank. Team commitment, you’ll warm a heart and
help ensure a positive volunteering up with your children to pack a food box. maybe even find a new pen pal.
experience for everyone. Here are a few Invite friends to join you in collecting. Have
volunteering suggestions: your kids help load everything, and bring
1. Visit a Nursing Home. Many them with you to make the donation.
elderly residents don’t get a lot of visitors.
They’re looking for a friendly face with 5. Feed the Homeless. Every
whom they can spend time. Children community shelter needs help at
always bring immediate smiles. Young mealtime and especially during the
children – and older kids, too – can assist holidays. Work a shift with your older
with simple tasks like tying their shoes or children at a local shelter. Encourage
reading to the elderly residents. them to greet every patron with a big
smile and friendly conversation.
36 INSPIRE HEALTH November § December 2015
Volunteerwith Your Kids
By Michele Robert Poche
With so many 2. Play Secret Santa. Know 6. Be a Friend to the Animals.
kids addicted to someone in your community who Bring your child with you to volunteer
electronic games, is struggling with financial or health at an animal shelter. Filling food bowls,
good old‑fashioned hobbies like concerns? Surprise them with a special walking dogs or helping at a fundraising
painting, journaling and musicianship gift. It could be a Christmas tree, a event are all activities children will enjoy.
are slowly disappearing. It’s a great household need or money. Just be sure The furry “thank you” they’ll receive is sure
time to get back to basics. Why not to give anonymously. Your children will to have them smiling all the way home.
introduce volunteering to your children? learn that truly giving is not about getting
Volunteerism is enriching, versatile, credit or being thanked. 7. Support the Troops. Many
military personnel are away during the
selfless and constructive. No one ever 3. Sponsor a Family. Many religious holidays and would be grateful for a
walked away from it thinking, “Well, that and charitable organizations coordinate special message from home. Have your
was an hour wasted.” these opportunities. Adopt a family with child create a card and write a message,
children, and have your kids assist in draw a picture or enclose something to
But where can you start? selecting gifts of clothes, toys and books. send to someone in the active service. In
Consider your children’s ages addition to honoring their sacrifice and
and interests. Advance planning will 4. Donate to a Food Bank. Team commitment, you’ll warm a heart and
help ensure a positive volunteering up with your children to pack a food box. maybe even find a new pen pal.
experience for everyone. Here are a few Invite friends to join you in collecting. Have
volunteering suggestions: your kids help load everything, and bring
1. Visit a Nursing Home. Many them with you to make the donation.
elderly residents don’t get a lot of visitors.
They’re looking for a friendly face with 5. Feed the Homeless. Every
whom they can spend time. Children community shelter needs help at
always bring immediate smiles. Young mealtime and especially during the
children – and older kids, too – can assist holidays. Work a shift with your older
with simple tasks like tying their shoes or children at a local shelter. Encourage
reading to the elderly residents. them to greet every patron with a big
smile and friendly conversation.
36 INSPIRE HEALTH November § December 2015
