As we reflect on our blessings at the end of 2024, it is only natural to want to find ways to give back. Serving the community is an impactful way to teach your kids about generosity and how to make the world a better place, in both big ways and small.
Family Volunteer Projects for the Holidays
Here are some worthy places where your family can explore doing volunteer projects this holiday season:
Atlanta Community Food Bank – Kids ages 8 and up can help stock shelves, bag produce, manage food donations, or box non-perishable items for seniors.
Blessings in a Backpack – All ages and availabilities can be found with this group that provides weekend meals to students in need. Consider hosting a food drive, creating positive note cards, or even volunteering at a sponsored school.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Check out their Young Friends program for kids ages 5-14, which helps them learn about philanthropy and ways to support the hospital.
Gateway Center – The goal at Gateway is to give people experiencing homelessness the resources they need to lead happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. Bring your children ages 10 and up to help with the clothes closet, art classes, meal prep, etc.
Helping Mamas – This non-profit started in the founder’s garage and now collects thousands of diapers, baby supplies, and menstruation products for women. Ages 8 and up can help sort in their warehouse, drive-through distribution, be kit creators, or host a drive.
Hosea Helps – With a mission to address poverty in its many forms, young volunteers are encouraged to help make grocery packages, write cards, sort items, assemble toiletry kits, and support community distribution events.
Lift Up Atlanta – For Atlanta families in need, specific holiday requests include adopting a child’s gift wish list, as well as collecting/donating toys, warm wear, and school supplies.
Meals By Grace – Middle schoolers and older can volunteer in the food pantry, and all ages can help with meal prep, blessings cards, and food sorting on select days.
MUST Ministries – A long-standing institution in Atlanta, they have a page dedicated to under 18 volunteers, that includes bakery pick-ups, donation center days, helping/greeting customers, and more.
North Fulton Community Charities – Throughout the year, they welcome in-person volunteers, age 13 and up to sort, count, organize, and stock donations. There also are at-home kit-making options for all ages.
North Gwinnett Co-Op – Focused on children’s services, they allow kids ages 10 and up to sort, stock, organize the thrift store, write supportive notes, and assist clients.
Operation Gratitude – Everyone in the family can work together at home to boost the spirits of our military and first responders. You can crochet and knit, write letters, assemble care packages, craft a lanyard, collect beanie babies,s and more.
Simple Needs – Another group that can accommodate kids 8 and up, and a favorite charity of mine, needs help assembling Comfort Kits, working donation drives, putting together items for birthday gifts, family care packages, duffel bags for homeless shelters, etc.
The Sandwich Project – The entire family can make and deliver sandwiches to help battle food insecurity in Atlanta.
VOLUNTEER MATCHING PROGRAMS
Find the perfect fit near you with your specific age requirements.
Where does your family love to do volunteer projects? Please share in the comments below!
