A few do's and don't's I've collected to think about as you explore these and other options for volunteering with kids.
- DO check to make sure that kids are welcome and not in the way before you schlep your kid all the way there.
- DO dress yourself and your child appropriately for the activity, so everyone is comfortable and not whining before you even get started.
- DON'T commit to something that will be more than your child can handle, especially in terms of time. This is particularly true if you are joining an effort far from home and you can't set your own schedule for returning, either because you're driving other folks out to an area or catching a ride yourselves.
- DO explain what you're doing and why (to the extent that makes sense for the age of your child), but don't worry if they don't completely get it, and don't keep hitting them over the head with it. They see you doing it, they're getting the chance to do it themselves - as with many things, the understanding may come long after the habit develops.
Do you have other recommendations to share? Let me know.
Most activities are posted on the blog on a weekly basis, usually around Weds. or Thursday for the following week. Information here is for organizations that take volunteers with kids on an on-going basis, or for some period of time.
Hurricane Sandy Relief
While there are some places (the temporary shelters) and some types of work (demolition, boiler installation) that won't be appropriate for smaller volunteers, there are still many ways that children can contribute to the relief effort post-Superstorm Sandy. Kids can:
- Accompany an adult to help out at the relief collection and distribution hubs run by Occupy Sandy. Kids can help sort donations, make sandwiches, give out food, etc. They are great at it! Check the website for current needs.
- Volunteer at Added Value farm in Red Hook. The farm was hard hit by the storm and needs help, kids are welcome. Check their calendar for family work opportunities.
- Help you make food at home to donate to any of these efforts.
- Help raise money through bake sales or penny drives.
- Help you collect items for donation
City Meals on Wheels
City Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious meals to the frail and isolated elderly, welcomes children under 16 as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The ratio for adults to children must be 1/4. This is something you can do during the holidays, or any time. Fill out a volunteer application and pick a time when you can go.
Animals!!
Does your child like animals, but you can't get that dog or cat? The BARC animal shelter needs dog walkers and folks to cuddle with cats. They do have to go with someone who is 21 or over.
Trees!
Here's something that kids could do - adopt a tree on their block or nearby. If someone tries this, can you report back? Go to the Million Trees NYC project.
Watch this space - more to come!
City Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious meals to the frail and isolated elderly, welcomes children under 16 as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The ratio for adults to children must be 1/4. This is something you can do during the holidays, or any time. Fill out a volunteer application and pick a time when you can go.
Animals!!
Does your child like animals, but you can't get that dog or cat? The BARC animal shelter needs dog walkers and folks to cuddle with cats. They do have to go with someone who is 21 or over.
Trees!
Here's something that kids could do - adopt a tree on their block or nearby. If someone tries this, can you report back? Go to the Million Trees NYC project.
Watch this space - more to come!
Have an event or opportunity I should post? Send it to: raisingvillage@gmail.com
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