Fall is Family Time – to Volunteer Together

The fall and winter months are a time for reconnecting with families. Why not take quality time with family to a whole new level by volunteering together?  Family volunteering can actually improve communication and bonds among family members as they get to know each other in a new way and discover hidden talents and common interests. Family volunteering also teaches positive values to children and can help create a new generation of dedicated volunteers and engaged citizens.

Across the country, United Ways offer opportunities for families to connect with each other and the needs of the community. For example, United Way of Larimer County is hosting a Family Volunteer Day event to address the issues faced by foster youth and low-income seniors in northern Colorado. An interactive education center will provide information and statistics on poverty in Larimer County and promotional and educational videos will showcase agencies serving seniors and foster youth. Most important, families can become equipped to Give, Advocate and Volunteer together:

• GIVE. Participants will be encouraged to donate items for specific agencies in Fort Collins and Loveland that serve foster youth and seniors. Items will include books, food, toiletries, and other items specifically requested by the agencies.
  
• ADVOCATE. Families will be encouraged to take what they have learned and to spread the word about poverty and its effects in Larimer County by passing on packets of information to a neighbor, family, friend, or classroom. Families also will be encouraged to “Pay it forward” by creating their own opportunities to help others where they see a need.
   
• VOLUNTEER. Participants will create cards for seniors to use to send holiday greetings to family and friends. The cards will be bundled in packs with prepaid envelopes. The cards will then be distributed to residents at nearby low-income nursing homes. Participants will also decorate the covers of journals that will be given to foster youth in Larimer County.

Another example of family volunteering through United Way is the annual “Rake a Difference” day (sponsored by Michigan’s Greater Ottawa County United Way) at the height of leaf season and on days when families can be together. On Veterans Day (November 11^th) and Saturday, November 14^th, families and other volunteer teams will rake leaves for senior citizens and citizens with disabilities, helping out and honoring veterans at the same time.

Contact your local United Way to see what might be planned in your community on Veterans Day,  Family Volunteer Day (Nov. 21) or National Family Week (Nov. 22-28) or over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (Nov. 26-29). In the meantime:

• Learn more about the benefits of volunteering as a family and why children should volunteer
• Consider the myriad of ideas for how kids of all ages can volunteer and for families who want to advocate for a cause. Send usyour own ideas!
• Get a young person excited about volunteering. Our Youth & Volunteering page has great reasons for kids to get involved.
• Read tips for ensuring a great family volunteering experience.

For more information on volunteering, visit the Volunteer Tools section of LiveUnited.org.