Have your kids just started on a new team this spring? Or have they been on a team with the same kids for years and years? Either way, as you know, the kids spend a LOT of time together on the field, in the gym or pool, or wherever it is that they are practicing and playing or competing. As parents, we sure do a lot of hanging out on the sidelines or in the bleachers.
Why your Kids & Teens {& Athletes} Should Volunteer
There are so many “take-aways” from being on team that our kids learn, but as a parents, we also feel that you need to teach kids that it’s important to give back. Providing kids the opportunity to work together on the field or in the gym is great, but why not give kids the opportunity to volunteer together outside of the athletic setting. This will give them the opportunity to get to know their teammates on a more personal level as well as share in the joyful feeling of serving others!
There are lots of options for your kids to volunteer! Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect fit, but there are many websites that allow you to search by location and job in order to narrow down your options.
Hopefully this list will allow you to find the perfect match for your team!
Specific Volunteer Opportunities
Special Olympics
For over 45 years The Special Olympics has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in a wide variety of Olympic-type sports for both kids and adults with disabilities. It would be great for your athlete to help an athlete with a disability succeed!
Local Food Panty
There are many local food banks that need help not only collecting food, but sorting, packing and organizing. You can find a food pantry near you at FoodPantries.com
Habitat For Humanity
With a simple mission to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope, Habitat For Humanity allows volunteers to physically build a home for those in need. Volunteer for one day or multiple days!
Humane Society
The Humane Society has a variety of needs from helping animals at their care centers, to serving with rescue and response teams, to organizing events and grassroots outreach in your community, and more.
Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. They work to build and sustain vibrant communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound.
United Way
The United Way wants to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. Their goals include trying to improve education, help people achieve financial stability and to promote healthy lives.