April is National Volunteer Month and there’s no better time than now to help children and grandchildren learn about the value of volunteering in the Richmond area. There are plenty of places that need volunteers and children who begin at an early age will learn about the value and significance of helping others.
“Live a Little…Give a Little”is our Richmondmom.com volunteer slogan, thanks to Cheryl Lage’s creative thinking! It’s all about living a life that gives back and demonstrates the significance of volunteering throughout the community.
Cheryl Lage
Richmondmom.com is beginning a series of articles about volunteering in the Richmond area. The goal is to encourage children and adults to give back to the community by helping others and living a life that exemplifies being good citizens.
We’d love to hear your ideas on places where children can volunteer and learn more about the great feelings that come with helping others. As we near summer holidays, it’s a great time for kids to get more involved in helping others and we want to make it easier for Richmond moms to find places where kids are needed.
Where to volunteer
Volunteering comes in many forms and many places.
It can be an organized, formal volunteer event, or it can be as simple as helping a neighbor with yardwork, preparing a meal for an elderly friend, caring for a friend’s child to give her some much needed rest, or walking the neighbor’s dog. For younger kids, volunteering can even be taught at home where young children volunteer for various jobs around the house as a start and then venture out more.
- One good example where kids may love to start is the Richmond SPCA. Volunteers must be 14 or older to volunteer independently at the SPCA (without a parent or guardian). Youth volunteers 7 or older may volunteer with a parent or guardian, and youth volunteers aged 10 to 13 may also volunteer as part of the Animal Brigade Service Club. This offers opportunities for children of all ages.
- The Anthem Lemonaid project July 20-22, 2012 is a great way for kids to get involved and they’ll really enjoy it when they realize they’re helping other kids.
- Richmond area Girl Scout and Boy Scout organizations help match kids with volunteering opportunities. They teach them vital skills about helping others and giving back to the community.
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Many churches and faith-based organizations offer volunteer programs which give kids a good chance to help others in unique ways.
April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week and it’s the perfect time to get started on a volunteer project. Watch for more tips and ideas on volunteering throughout the year — and be sure to let us know of volunteer opportunities you discover.
Submit your ideas to Kate@richmondmom.com and we’ll do the research to provide our readers with details and information on volunteering throughout the coming months. Let’s show Richmond what a difference our moms and kids can make in the community by volunteering.
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