For our December issue , we spoke with Craig Kielburger, a passionate and compassionate young man who founded the international nonprofit Free the Children when he was 12 years old. If you want to raise kids who care and contribute, Kielburger — who recently co-authored the book The World Needs Your Kid: Raising Children Who Care and Contribute (Me to We Books, 2010) — recommends you seek out volunteer activities that are appropriate for your children’s ages, youth-friendly, meaningful and fun. Most importantly, he adds, “If you want to raise compassionate children, you have to carve out the time. It’s critical that you get the whole family involved. Where you put your intention is where you end up.” In researching the story, we found plenty of local parents who are putting Kielburger’s advice into practice, finding significant and engaging ways to get their kids involved in good works from an early age. Read on for some ideas to get your family started -– then tell us how you and your kids are giving back this holiday season and all year long. Hands on Greater Portland: Hands on Greater Portland connects thousands of people with local volunteer projects every year, including at least five Kids Volunteer! activities each month. Most of the kid-friendly activities are intended for families with children 6 and older, although some welcome kids as young as 3. Activities range from caring for abandoned pets to maintaining nature trails to making cards for the elderly and beyond. Below are a few activities happening later this month. To register for a project or find out about others, visit handsonportland.org . Oregon Food Bank – Stock the Pantry (Sat., Dec. 18; ages 6 and up): Unpack and sort donated food destined for agencies that serve low income people in Oregon. Please wear close-toed, close-heeled shoes and clothes that you won’t mind getting a little dirty. Spruce up the Tualatin Library (Sun., Dec. 19; ages 6 and up): Tasks include preparing projects, cleaning books, shelving books and beautifying the library. Families are encouraged to participate together. Natural Area Restoration in Outer Southwest Portland (Sat., Dec. 18; ages 6 and up): Join Portland Parks and Recreation Department for a morning of urban forest renewal. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves if you have them. MORE VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR FAMILIES: Children’s Book Bank: The Children’s Book Bank collects books, cleans and sorts them, and distributes them to low income families through local Head Start programs. 503-616-3981. childrensbookbank.org . Good Neighbor Center: Create a menu, pick up ingredients and prepare a meal for hungry families. 503-443-6084. goodneighborcenter.org . Loaves and Fishes: Prepare and deliver food to seniors. (Drivers must be 18 or older, but all ages are welcome to help.) 503-953-8137. loavesandfishesonline.org . Neighborhood House Emergency Food Box Program: Families stock shelves, repackage donated items, and/or work in the community garden every third Tuesday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm. 503-246-1663, x117. nhpdx.org . (Read Angels Among Us in our December issue for more information about Neighborhood House programs.) Northwest Children’s Outreach: Sort and deliver clothes, diapers and infant care products at this faith-based nonprofit with several locations in the metro area. 503-828-1472; 360-576-8024. northwestchildrensoutreach.org . OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS: Check with organizations for age requirements. Habitat for Humanity: Get a group together to help build houses. 503-287-9529. habitatportlandmetro.org . Oregon Humane Society: Participate in basic animal care and other shelter activities. At press time, all weekend and evening slots for teens were full, but anyone interested can fill out an application for future openings. 503-285-7722. oregonhumane.org . Potluck in the Park: Help prepare food and serve meals to those in need at O’Bryant Square in downtown Portland, Sundays at 3 pm. 503-255-7611, potluckinthepark.org . SCRAP (School and Community Reuse Action Project): Keep stuff out of landfills and help turn it into art. 503-294-0769. scrapaction.org . What charitable activities have and your kids participated in and enjoyed together?
Originally posted here:
It’s Better to Give …
