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Encouraging your teen to help an elderly neighbor by shoveling snow is a meaningful way for them to contribute their time. mooremedia/ShutterstockMany children today are incredibly fortunate, often without realizing it. They enjoy an abundance of toys, access to healthcare, ample food, and supportive families. Unfortunately, these privileges are frequently overlooked by both kids and adults.
Regular family volunteering is an effective way to foster gratitude. Participating in charitable activities encourages a strong work ethic and altruism, while also deepening connections within the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped numerous aspects of life, including how volunteering operates. Services may now differ from previous years, so it's essential to carry a mask and familiarize yourself with all guidelines and protocols beforehand.
Thankfully, a wide range of volunteer opportunities remains available for families of all ages and interests. Explore our curated list to discover the ideal option for your children and household.
10: Virtual Tutoring
With the rise of COVID-19, virtual tutoring has become increasingly prevalent. If your teenager excels in a particular subject, consider having them assist a younger student in need. Edwin Tan/Getty ImagesNumerous children experienced significant educational setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those in underprivileged areas. High school students and older individuals can volunteer as online tutors through platforms like Learn To Be, which pairs kids with personalized tutoring sessions. Prospective tutors complete an application, and once approved, they can identify students needing help in their area of expertise and arrange virtual meetings. Alternatively, they can join UPchieve, which welcomes "coaches" aged 13 and above (after passing a certification test) and provides training.
While many families and groups focus on giving back during the holidays, it's important to maintain that spirit year-round. Regular volunteering ensures support for nonprofits when they need it most.
9: Lend a Paw
Caring for a foster cat or dog offers a rewarding learning opportunity and provides much-needed relief to shelters facing critical shortages. Os Tartarouchos/Getty ImagesDoes your family adore animals? The pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for animal lovers like you, as rescue organizations faced immense challenges. Many had to close or reduce their on-site operations, relying entirely on foster homes to care for abandoned cats and dogs. While an adult must oversee the primary responsibilities, children can actively participate by helping with feeding, grooming, walking, and playing with the foster pets.
While it’s hard to part with your furry companions when they find forever homes, your children can take pride in knowing they made a difference. And there’s always another adorable animal waiting to fill the void.
Some parents hesitate to adopt a dog or cat from shelters, unsure of the animal’s background. However, choosing a pet from a rescue is no different than getting one from a breeder. Regardless of their lineage, your new furry friend will quickly become a cherished family member.
8: Help Feed the Hungry
Organizations like Meals on Wheels safely deliver nutritious meals to seniors who might otherwise go hungry. Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty ImagesWhile your family may have plenty of food on the table, many others struggle to meet this basic need. Some individuals, especially those with limited mobility, depend on the generosity of others for their meals. Food pantries have been overwhelmed during the pandemic, but programs like Meals on Wheels have adapted by offering contactless meal deliveries to those in need.
For younger children, volunteering might involve shopping for groceries to donate to a local food bank. Involve your child in selecting items and explain why helping others is important. When delivering the donations, ask a staff member to share how your contribution will assist families facing hardship.
7: Archive Museum Documents
The National Archives urgently seeks volunteers to transcribe remarkable documents, such as the military records of Albert Bush, who served in the 115th U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. National ArchivesTeenagers with a passion for history will find this volunteer opportunity particularly rewarding. The National Archives requires assistance in tagging and transcribing scanned historical documents. Volunteers type out the content of items like court case notes or Nazi memorandums, then tag keywords to enhance searchability. This task is ideal for older kids with strong typing and computer skills, though parental review before submission is recommended. It’s a meaningful way to preserve history and make it accessible in the digital age.
Veteran's Affairs hospitals nationwide often go unnoticed as volunteer opportunities. Collaborate with their volunteer services coordinator to determine how your family can help. For example, your child’s playgroup could create and deliver cards on Veterans Day. Small gestures can have a big impact.
6: Set Up a Library
Creating and managing a Little Free Library in your community offers a valuable educational experience for children. LifestyleVisuals/Getty ImagesLibraries adapted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to fewer volunteer opportunities, especially for kids. However, you can still encourage a passion for reading by setting up or maintaining a Little Free Library in your area. Known as the "world's largest book-sharing movement," these libraries are simple to construct and manage. Involve children in selecting books for all ages and spread the word to neighbors through flyers, texts, or conversations.
5: Beautify the Park
Cleaning up a local park allows kids to witness the direct impact of their efforts. Ariel Skelley/Getty ImagesPublic parks frequently need more care than they get. Volunteer opportunities at the park can range from simple tasks like collecting litter and removing weeds during visits to organizing larger community cleanups. Always check with the local parks and recreation department or the relevant authority to secure approval before planning an event. This activity is ideal because children can see the immediate positive impact of their work on the community.
Contact your local county office to learn how your family can join this initiative, which lets groups adopt a section of road to maintain through regular trash collection. This program is better suited for families with older children, as there are often age requirements for participation.
4: Help at the Aquarium or Zoo
Zoo Atlanta's J.O.E.Y. Volunteer Program is designed for kids aged 8 to 13. Participants help at events, educate visitors about animals, and gain access to exclusive training and educational workshops. Zoo AtlantaZoos and aquariums are perfect for kids who love animals, offering volunteer roles like assisting visitors, supporting children’s programs, and tasks such as recycling sorting. While they won’t handle feeding dangerous animals, they’ll enjoy observing exotic creatures from a safe distance. Contact your local zoo or aquarium to learn about age requirements and any COVID-19 guidelines.
3: Collect Shelter Supplies
Encourage your teens to gather donations for a local shelter. They can reach out to neighbors and friends, then track the incoming contributions. Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty ImagesWhile you and your children may not directly interact with residents at a homeless or women’s shelter, you can still make a difference by donating essential items. Contact a nearby shelter to find out what they need most—often items like socks, feminine hygiene products, and toothbrushes are in short supply. Organize a donation drive by asking family, friends, and neighbors to contribute. Kids can manage a donation box on your porch and sort the collected items. Many people are eager to help when someone takes the initiative to organize.
2: Fundraising Walks and Runs
Next time you participate in a charity race, bring your kids along. They’ll enjoy the experience, and many events offer shorter "fun runs" designed specifically for children. steve bridge/ShutterstockInvolve your children the next time you lace up your sneakers for a charitable cause. Choose a charity that resonates with your family and join a fundraising walk or run. For instance, if a loved one has battled heart disease, breast cancer, or ALS, sign up your family for a related event. Younger kids can contribute by donating their piggy bank savings or collecting small donations from neighbors. Even small amounts teach them the value of helping others. Older kids can take on more ambitious efforts, like organizing a car wash or offering babysitting services in exchange for donations.
Alex's Lemonade Stand was founded by Alexandra Scott, a 4-year-old cancer patient. Though she has passed away, her legacy inspires others to donate lemonade stand proceeds to cancer research.
1: Help a Senior Citizen
Planting flowers for an elderly neighbor can bring joy to their day and give your teens a sense of fulfillment. Jupiterimages/Getty ImagesWhile COVID-19 has restricted activities in nursing homes, there’s likely a senior in your community who could benefit from occasional assistance. Offer your family’s help with household or yard tasks, ensuring proper COVID-19 precautions are taken. Kids can assist with laundry, dusting, or vacuuming to make a meaningful impact.
Alternatively, opt for contactless help by focusing on yard work. Equip kids with gloves for weeding or plant seasonal flowers from a local nursery. With adult supervision, older kids can even mow the lawn. This approach benefits everyone, as children learn valuable skills while supporting someone in need.
