5 Reasons to Volunteer as a Family this Holiday Season
This post was sponsored by generationOn” as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.
I don’t volunteer with my kids as often as we should. Life gets in the way and we put it off but when we do make time to give back in our community I’m always glad we did. A few weeks ago my family and I had the chance to participate in a Family Volunteer Day at Downtown Disney put on by Generation On. It was such a fun atmosphere and my kids loved getting involved, especially since a few of their favorite Disney stars stopped by to help.
I love the idea behind Family Volunteer Day. You don’t usually have to look to far to find volunteer opportunities for adults but finding volunteer opportunities that kids can participate in (especially kids under 12) can be tricky. Family Volunteer Day celebrates the power of families working together and it is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving so families can kick off the holiday season with some service.
I can’t think of a better way to start the holiday season and our time at Downtown Disney definitely set the tone for our holiday season. Even the smallest family members got in on the action.
 We are making a goal to look for more opportunities to volunteer this holiday season (and beyond) but here are a few reasons you may want to volunteer with your family:
- It teaches your kids to look beyond themselves. Christmas is often such a commercialized holiday. It’s important to remember the things that are really important and teach kids to help others.
- It’s quality family time. It’s not often that families get to unplug and spend time together without being distracted by other things. Volunteering lets you work together with a common purpose.
- It encourages a strong work ethic. I’m a firm believer that kids should be taught to work early and often. I love finding ways we can work together as a family.
- There is a need in your community. You don’t have to look too far before you see people or groups who could use your help. Make your community a better place by helping to fill those needs.
- It helps kids have perspective. I shared earlier about an experience my kids had playing with a homeless child. They have remembered that moment, especially when they are tempted to be ungrateful. Giving kids the chance to meet a people who have a different life experience than they do helps them have a deeper perspective and understand the difference they can make in the world.
Do you have any plans to volunteer with your family this holiday season? Share your experience by using the #familyvolunteerday hashtag.
Resister at http://generationon.org/fvd and upload a story with a photo of your Family Volunteer Day service to the photo wall and you can be entered to win one of three grand prizes of $1,000 VISA gift cards and one of 10 “family night out” prize packages for dinner and a movie valued at $160 each!
