Make a Difference on Family Volunteer Day
Make Family Volunteer Day a Family Affair
Get as much out of the event for your family as possible by communicating your priorities and allowing all family members to discuss the type of volunteer work they would like to accomplish for the event. Volunteer as a family to clean up and repair area parks and schools. Visit nursing home residents. Coordinate or lend a hand in gathering or distributing food or clothing for people in need in your community. There are as many volunteer options as there are families, so pick one that fits your family's history, interests, talents and priorities.
Find Out What Needs Your Family Can Best Fill
Take the time to investigate local needs. The holidays are always a time of increased need for volunteer help. Those needs will be especially critical for those communities that have been negatively impacted by the economy this year. Even if your family has budget concerns of its own, know that time and energy is a priceless gift that will benefit the giver as much as the person or community that is being assisted. What better way could there be to celebrate Thanksgiving as a family?
Resources for Family Volunteer Day
To make the most of the event, resources for finding opportunities and planning your day of service together are linked below. Learn about what opportunities are available in your area and involve the whole family in the discussions to decide what project you want to participate in. Let's all remind ourselves of all that we have to be thankful for by performing a service for someone in need this Family Volunteer Day.
The HandsOn Network sponsors Family Volunteer Day. Find the chapter in your area to locate the current volunteer opportunities they are coordinating in your city.
1-800-Volunteer.org is a database of volunteer needs that is searchable by keyword or location.
Disney and the Points of Light Institute are the organizations that generate the HandsOn Network. The Disney Family Volunteer Day web page is an interactive site where families, children and charity organizations can learn how to make the most of Family Volunteer Day. Points of Light Institute manages the Family Cares website, which provides volunteering ideas, projects and resources.
Benefits of Family Volunteer Day
"There are myriad benefits of family volunteering. It strengthens family communication and increases shared time among family members while addressing key issues in local communities," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. "It helps create a culture of caring that connects families, communities, businesses and nonprofit organizations." (Quote from source below.)
Source:
"Families Across the Country Make a Difference on National Family Volunteer Day, November 19." PR Newswire. PR Newswire Association LLC. 2005.
Published by Joan Edens
Joani Edens is a freelance writer and researcher with 20 years of technical writing experience. She enjoys writing on AC about her interests, including: art, literature, health, fitness, food and entertainment. View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentGreat suggestions!
very good article, nicely done.
Family Day is a great way to spend time with your family and teach through example. Sometimes I think we can preach about volunteering but unless kids see their parents in action, it has little meaning. Great article.
Volunteering is a great family tradition - or should be :)
This has such an important message, way to go!
Good ideas!
I never heard of this thanks
I too was not aware that this day exists -- thanks for sharing!
Great idea.
I have never heard of this day either. Sounds like a great family activity. :)