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Volunteer work is essential to an accepting, strong and connected community, and regardless of a person’s age, any amount of help can make a difference. Whether your child has approached you about volunteering, or you are trying to get your child involved in helping your community, it can be difficult to keep your family engaged and inspired with the standard food drives and visiting your local retirement community.
Here are three volunteer programs in the Greater Phoenix area that are not only involved and educational, but unique and fun as well.
Civitan House
Civitan House is a residential home designed for helping adults with developmental disabilities. They’ve been trying to raise awareness and funds for their cause by organizing fun, semi-reoccuring events. Their next big event is “Bowling with Civitan House“, in June and July. This event is centered around disability awareness and healthcare progress. It is low-cost, low-stress, and informative, and who doesn’t love bowling? If this doesn’t sound right for you, or if your schedule won’t work for Bowling with Civitan House, they regularly organize a plethora of events such as golf tournaments, arts and crafts fairs, and much more. Civitan House has something for everyone. Check here for more.
Welcome to America Project
The Welcome to America Project, or WTAP, is a non-profit organization that builds strong community bonds by establishing aide for political refugees that are trying to begin a new life in Arizona. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Instead of just creating ways for people to donate their spare possessions to these families, WTAP also organizes a events such as movie showings, concerts, food and cultural festivals, and video game tournaments. Much like Civitan House, WTAP puts a lot of uniqueness to their events in a way that emphasizes their multicultural disposition and mission.
Kid Connection at Watkins Shelter
The Watkins Basic Needs Shelter is dedicated to providing homeless families with a good meal, a comfortable place to sleep, and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Their Kid Connection program is held on the first Wednesday of every month, where families with children as young as six years can come in and provide support to families in need through all-ages activities such as arts and crafts, games, and much more. This program is especially enriching because it educates volunteers on the effects of poverty and homelessness on children. With a low age requirement and a broad selection of activities, the Kid Connection program is likely the most easily accessible volunteer program for kids and families from any walk of life.
The content of these programs go far beyond just donating your old clothing to Goodwill to make room in your closet. They are effective ways of teaching kids compassion and how to approach issues relevant to them. Check them out and discuss them with your children. There is always a way to make a positive impact, and have fun while doing it.
