Which Community Service Should Your Family Try?

As you’re researching the wide variety of community service options, you might be wondering how to make the right choice for you and your family. We’re here to help! Here are a few questions you should consider before you start searching:

• How old are your children?
• What are they passionate about?
• What are some of their God-given talents?
• Are your children comfortable meeting new people, or are they shy?
• How much time do you have to give?
• What days of the week work best for you and your family?

After you’ve asked yourself these questions, begin your research with our suggestions below:If Your Child Likes to Read and Write:Suggest that she write thank you letters to soldiers who are stationed overseas, your local firemen or policemen, or to her teachers. She could also go to a nursing home and read books to the residents. If Your Child is Crafty:You and your child can make a no-sew fleece blanket for kids through Project Linus. This organization collects an average of 350 blankets each month and donates them to children in hospitals, shelters, or social service agencies. If she’s a bit older, she can knit or crochet baby blankets to give to hospitals or homeless shelters.If Your Child is a Chef:She can bring a hot meal or special dessert to a new neighbor, elderly relative, or family from church.If Your Child Loves Animals:Volunteer at the animal shelter! Depending on your child’s age, she might be able to help play with animals, give them a bath, or take them for walks. She can save her birthday money and go shopping for food, toys, blankets, beds, towels, and more to donate to the shelter, or she can request to receive donations instead of gifts this year! Another great idea came from this shelter, which requested that people donate their old chairs to keep pets off the cold floor, which gives them a cozy space to sleep and minimizes their stress levels.If Your Child Loves to Read:Suggest that she go through her books and donate any extra copies or stories she’s outgrown to schools, libraries, or thrift stores.If Your Child Likes to Be Active:She can host a car wash and donate the proceeds to the organization of her choice, or she can take care of an elderly neighbor’s lawn by picking weeds, raking leaves, or cleaning the outside of windows. She can also collect used outdoor toys, sports equipment, or bike safety gear to donate to children in need. Depending on how old your child is, she could look into volunteering to coach a youth sports team through your church or at the local park.If Your Child is Passionate About Nature:Spend time together planting a garden full of bee-friendly flowers, or fill your backyard with native plants. Talk to your child about how we can make better choices every day that make a difference in ecosystems across the world, whether it’s how we pack our lunches or by researching how we can save the rainforest or coral reef.Remind your child that you don’t have to be big to make a big impact. For more than 50 years, the best private schools in Orlando have been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.