Giving back is one the best ways to feel connected to your community. Getting children involved in volunteering at a young age is a great way to start a lifelong commitment to giving. Here are five safe ways to volunteer — with your kids or grandkids — this month!
5 WAYS TO VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR KIDS THIS MONTH
MAKE LUNCHES FOR JVC’S BUNCHES OF LUNCHES
Join Jewish Volunteer Connection, in partnership with Krieger Schechter Day School, Beth El Congregation, and Beth Tfiloh Congregations & Schools in preparing bagged meals to be donated to organizations throughout Baltimore. It’s easy to participate! Simply register for the program and make bagged lunches at home with your kids. Lunches include:
- Sandwich or wrap: Could be PB&J, hummus, or lunch meat. Please label the sandwich with its ingredients.
- Fruit: Could be a piece of fruit, a fruit cup, or applesauce.
- Snack: Chips, cookies, pretzels, etc.
- Bottle of water
Be sure to follow their COVID protocols including wearing gloves and a mask when prepping lunches. Then drop your lunches off at your assigned location on the date of your choosing. Drop off dates are available throughout September. All ages can participate! LEARN MORE
VOLUNTEER AT FIRST FRUITS FARM
First Fruits Farm is a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious produce to those experiencing hunger in the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 2004, thousands of area volunteers have helped harvest over 18 million pounds of fruits and vegetables to share with local food banks, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other food providers. Your entire family can volunteer at First Fruits to harvest fruits and veggies during their harvest sessions. LEARN MORE
SHARE A MEAL WITH LASAGNA LOVE
Lasagna Love was started at the beginning of the pandemic when the founder of Good to Mama was looking for a way to help moms in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering meals to families in the neighborhood who were struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional, or simply a feeling of overwhelm. It’s now a national movement! Register through their website to be matched with a family that could use a little lasagna love. Then make a lasagna and drop it off to the family that you’re matched with. (No sides are expected, just a main dish). Get the kids in the kitchen and start cooking! LEARN MORE
DONATE TO BARCS
Baltimore Animal Rescue Care and Shelter is always looking for donations! Make dog treats, collect gently used towels, or purchase some new toys to donate! Items can be dropped off five days a week — but hours vary so check their website before you venture out. This is a great all-ages activity. LEARN MORE
RUN WILD FOR AUTISM
Pathfinders for Autism’s “Run Wild” event is back — and you have two chances to run with the animals! Join them on Sunday, September 26th at the Maryland Zoo or Sunday, October 3rd at Assateague State Park. (Hmmm…. running with the lions or the ponies, that’s a tough one!) Register and get moving to help raise funds and awareness for the organization. Another great all-ages activity as families can participate in the 5K or the 1 mile fun run/walk. Want to go the distance and run both races? There is a discounted entry fee for those running both. LEARN MORE
This article first appeared on (cool) progeny. It was created in partnership with Little Lion Challenge.
