By making charitable work fun, you can teach your children that helping those less fortunate is not a chore. There a dozens of ways you can turn an ordinary volunteering experience, into one that your children will never forget. Here are some fun ideas:
VOLUNTEER VACATION
One way to make volunteering fun is to combine your efforts with a family vacation. Churches around the world offer volunteer opportunities in exotic locales. Consider hooking up with a church or other civic organization that helps struggling families in the country of your choice. You can build homes in Africa or volunteer at medical facilities in Peru.
COOKING
There are many families that enjoy cooking together. Are you one of them? If so, then consider sharing your culinary talents with those in need. It could be as simple as baking a pie for a shut-in or preparing a meal for domestic abuse survivors. Another way to make use of your prowess in the kitchen is to volunteer at a soup kitchen or feeding program that makes casseroles or sandwiches to hand out to the homeless. Also, local food pantries are always looking for volunteers, especially during the summer months when other workers are on vacation.
GIFTS
Shopping with your children for gifts (birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc.) is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your charitable values. When you and your family buy gifts for each other, you can also help your favorite charities. There are dozens of stores and small gift shops (located at your local zoo, aquarium or museum) that donate a portion of their proceeds to different charitable organizations, such as wildlife foundations or Breast Cancer Awareness groups. Another way to give back while you shop is to buy an extra toy for a child in need and donate it to Toys for Tots or another charity that helps needy kids.
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