Paying it Forward

The holiday season is not only a time for family and celebrations but also a perfect time to teach kids the importance of giving back. Volunteering at local soup kitchens or shelters can make a big impact, and getting kids involved in these activities fosters empathy, kindness and a sense of community.

So, how can your family get started with holiday volunteering? Let’s explore why it’s meaningful for kids, what opportunities are available and some great places to start.

Credit: Adobe Stock

Why Volunteering Matters for Kids

Volunteering during the holidays helps kids understand the challenges others face and fosters compassion. It also teaches them that they can make a meaningful difference. While the season is often filled with gifts and festivities, helping others redirects the focus toward generosity and connection. Getting involved early instills a lifelong love for service.

Soup Kitchens

Soup kitchens are hubs of activity during the holidays. There are many ways your child can lend a hand, including:

Meals: Kids can help serve food to guests, creating a personal connection and offering support.
Set Up and Cleaning: From setting tables to cleaning up, kids can participate in the teamwork that makes meal service possible.
Food Preparation: Some kitchens allow children to help with food prep tasks, like washing vegetables or organizing ingredients.

Shelters

Shelters offer safe spaces for families and individuals during challenging times, especially during the holidays. There are many family-friendly ways to contribute:

Holiday Decorating: Kids can help decorate the buildings to make them feel festive and welcoming.
Gift Wrapping and Drives: Sorting and wrapping gifts or organizing donation drives can be a fun and meaningful way for kids to get involved.
Activities: Some shelters host holiday events, and kids can assist with crafts, games or storytelling to engage other children.
Donations: Many shelters see an influx of donations during the holidays, and sorting through clothes, food and supplies is another way to help.

Local Volunteer Opportunities

Connect Central Oregon: Visit Connect Central Oregon, which highlights opportunities in the region, and allows you to filter for youth volunteer options: volunteer.connectcentraloregon.org
Other Volunteer Platforms: Websites like VolunteerMatch: volunteermatch.org or All for Good: allforgood.org allow you to filter opportunities based on age and location.
Check Local Community Organizations: Churches, community centers and schools often organize holiday service projects. Contact your favorites to see what’s currently offered.

Credit: Adobe Stock

Our Picks

Here are some great local places for kids and families to volunteer this holiday season:

NeighborImpact: Visit neighborimpact.org/give-help/volunteer for opportunities like food repack, mobile pantry assistance and educational roles. Contact Grant Jeffrey at grantj@neighborimpact.org for more information.
The Giving Plate: Learn more at thegivingplate.org/volunteer. Families can help with the Kid’s Korner Store or Mobile Pantry. For children under 14, a parent must be present. Email volunteers@thegivingplate.org with any questions.
Shepherd’s House Ministries: With options for youth to volunteer with a parent or guardian, this is a family-friendly one. Visit shepherdshouseministries.org/volunteer or email laurelw@shministries.org for details.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance: Opportunities range from farm harvesting to spice packing. Visit hdffa.org/volunteer/ or email amanda@hdffa.org for more information.
Think Wild: This organization offers teen-specific volunteering opportunities for students ages 12-17. Contact them for youth opportunities during the holidays: thinkwildco.org/support-us/youth-volunteering

Tips for a Positive Experience

Check Age Requirements: Make sure your chosen organization allows youth volunteers and whether an adult is required to accompany them.
Prepare Your Kids: Talk about the importance of respect and help them understand what they can expect during the experience.
Dress for the Occasion: Follow any dress code guidelines, including wearing closed-toe shoes for safety.
Reflect Afterwards: Take time after volunteering to chat with your kids about what they learned and how it felt to help others.

A Holiday Tradition

Volunteering can become a cherished family tradition that highlights the true spirit of the season. Whether it’s preparing a meal, organizing donations or simply offering a smile, these small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on your children—and on your community.

This article appears in BendNest Winter 2024.