Summer is a time for fun – family fun! There are relaxing times for boating, fishing, feeding the ducks, walking in the park, rides at the amusement park, watching ball games, packing up for a picnic, enjoying fireworks, going to the beach and much, much more. Family time spent by volunteering can be just as much fun.
These very activities that are fun for families can also be fun opportunities for volunteering. A walk in the park could be a family competition on who can pick up the most litter. Going to a ball game could be an opportunity to assist at the concession stand. Packing up for a picnic would be a very welcome invitation for another family that needs a friendly change. Feeding the ducks could be shared with a lonely isolated person.
When families volunteer together they teach the value of community with the younger generation. It affords quality time when working toward a common goal. Children observe unique qualities in their parents as well as parents observing their children in unique situations. It also opens communication by talking about the shared experience.
A family who volunteers also has the opportunity to share their values with one another. Showing concern, empathy, tolerance, respect, thoughtfulness, kindness is character in action. Talents can be developed, value in community service can be learned, relationships can be strengthened, new skills can be attained and self-confidence can be fortified.
Families come in a variety of combinations. Some families are comprised of two parents with children of varying ages, others are one parent with one child while other families are multi-generational. The number of family members is not an issue. The decision to volunteer is the most important step.
Have lots of books? Share them! Like to cook? Share a portion of your meal with a single neighbor! Like to write letters? Write them for a neighbor who cannot? Like to draw? Make placemats for a nursing home! Like to read? Read to neighborhood children! Like to sew? Make lap robes or blankets for the elderly! Like yard work? Help a neighbor who can no longer get the job done! Have a talent? Share it! Need a warm fuzzy in your life? Share time doing a good deed! Need ideas? Call the United Way & Volunteer Services at 665-6766. Family volunteering is a win-win experience at its very best!