During this time of year, we try to focus on the things in life we are thankful for and give back to others. Our family truly believes serving others should be done year-round, so ever since my oldest was two, we began participating in community and service events. Rather than simply creating a list you can check out, I wanted to include the why, what, and how for each place. I believe it’s important to serve in an area that touches your heart.
My Top 4 Places to Serve Collin County with Kids
The Storehouse of Collin County
Why: The mission of The Storehouse of Collin County is to feed, clothe, and care for as neighbors in one community.
What: The minimum age for volunteering at The Storehouse is 14 years out of safety concerns due to the physical nature of the volunteer shifts. Volunteers who are minors (age 17 and under) will need to have a parental waiver signed prior to the start of their first volunteer shift. Most of our parent-child volunteer teams enjoy serving together during our food or clothing distributions and also helping with prep by making food bags and organizing clothing items.
How: Moms and kids can sign up to volunteer via The Storehouse’s online volunteer portal. Once each individual has created their own accounts, they can sign up for available volunteer sessions throughout the week such as food prep sessions, distribution sessions, and clothing sorting sessions.
Nursing Homes
Why: Most of the individuals in nursing homes may not see family often or rarely get a visitor. They typically love to see children.
What: Make a playdate for your kiddo and their friends to make homemade Christmas or Valentine’s cards for the elderly. The kids will not only love getting together but love the expressions on the sweet faces who receive those hand-crafted cards.
How: Call a nearby nursing home and ask to come by for dinner or lunch to drop off cards with your children. We’ve been doing this for years and have never been turned down, obviously excluding the pandemic.
The Samaritan Inn
Why: The Samaritan Inn is known to be a “comprehensive homeless program that helps willing people gain dignity and independence.”
What: There are multiple ways to help. That’s one of the great things about volunteering with the Samaritan Inn. They have “Work Days” and “Gateway Apartment Days.” You can also help with sack lunches, supply items from their needs list, and so much more.
How: Check out their website for a complete idea of how to volunteer.
Wee Volunteer
Why: Wee Volunteer was founded to provide volunteer opportunities for preschool and elementary school-aged children with local Dallas area charitable organizations. (I know, I know…I went a little outside of Collin County; however, they provide many opportunities to volunteer within Collin County, too!).
What: They post projects monthly and you can sign up for a number of various options. They have ways to serve, from food for the elderly to playing with puppies!
How: Sign up for their newsletter to begin receiving information on how you can personally volunteer.
No matter what you chose, I encourage you to jump in there and just start serving! Showing your kids to care for others outside of themselves is such an important character trait to develop as they battle all the “look at me” media in this world.
For additional resources, check out 10 ways to volunteer with your kids and 5 simple ways to get involved in your community.
