I want my 10 year old son to experience volunteering for the holidays (and hopefully longer) I volunteer at places that don't allow children under 16. Does any one know a good place to bring a child? He would like to do soup kitchen etc... I want something that wont 'scare' him, but also something to help him appreciate how much he does have. We are buying toys to give to a children's home, and he is excited about that, but I want to show that helping is more than just giving money... ya know?? Thanks.
Are there any elderly or other neighbors who need some assistance in yardwork or just a bit of companionship? That is a win-win especially at this time of year where depression may set in.
I don't know of a place to help other people, but I know that he could volunteer at the Wake County SPCA, as long as a parent is volunteering with him. My son and I did it for a while, he was 8 at the time, and he really learned to love animals even more than he already does.
My sister did that whith her two daughters, they raked leaves for two elderly ladies in their neighborhood who lived alone for a number of years when the girls were pre-teen. They were giving of themselves, keeping their neighborhood neat and really helping people who could not take care of that kind of work themselves. **a lot of places don't let children under 16 volunteer without a parent...not only for insrance purposes, but because they can't be babysitting - you would be surprised how many parents want a place to drop their kids off. ***le, I don't mean that last comment toward you - while I don't think we've met in person...then again you never know....we've 'typed' a number of times, and I am pretty certain you have raised a respectful child and aren't looking to pawn him off for afternoons ;-)
You might want to contact Ron at Basic Needs - I'm sure he could provide you some great possiblities for volunteering. http://www.4042needs.org/contact/contact.html
You could contact Meals On Wheels in Johnston or Wake Counties ... contact the senior centers and they can put you in touch with a contact person. My children and I delivered meals when they were both under 5 and it was a wonderful way for them to provide a service and be involved. Here is a web site that may provide additional opportunities http://www.learnandserve.org/about/role_impact/state_profiles_detail.asp?tbl_profiles_state=NC
Yep! Ron is ALWAYS looking for volunteers. Your best bet is to stop by on a Monday evening or Saturday morning and meet Ron, and let him meet your son. Sometimes younger children are easily distracted and you can't always count on them to be appropriate volunteers, but there is always the one kid that's more mature than most thier age, etc.
