How to Volunteer With Your Kids This Summer

Looking for something to keep your child busy this summer that doesn’t involve spending a small fortune? 

Consider adopting a local organization as your family’s special project. It costs little or nothing other than your time, and it’s a great way to feel more connected to the community.

With the economy still struggling, non-profits have been hit particularly hard. While financial donations are always needed, donations of time are also appreciated. Most organizations prefer adult volunteers who can drive, offer special skills, and require minimal supervision. Some groups, however, will agree to allow children—including younger children—to volunteer, depending on the projects and as long as the kids are accompanied by adults.

Here are just a few of the organizations located in or serving Northwest Philadelphia that welcome the participation of children and their families.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks funds autism research, promotes autism awareness and advocates for people touched by Autism.  The organization sponsors several walks throughout the country to raise funds, including the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event, which is being held in Philadelphia on September 24th. 

According to local volunteer Cynthia Day, the walk offers several opportunities for children and their families to help. Teenagers can raise funds by registering as participants in the walk. Younger children can help their parents distribute water and snacks to walkers on the day of the event. Throughout the year, including over the summer, children of all ages can collect donations and organize special fundraising events with adult supervision. For more information, contact Ann Miller with Walk Now for Autism Speaks Philadelphia at philadelphia@autismspeaks.org.

ConKerr Cancer

Local mom Cindy Kerr began sewing colorful pillowcases for her son Ryan’s hospital bed when he was undergoing cancer treatment at Children‘s Hospital of Philadelphia. The cheery cases were so popular that she was asked to make them for others, and her efforts eventually extended across the world. Since 2002, ConKerr Cancer has donated more than 375,000 pillowcases to seriously ill children, including 75,000 right here in Philadelphia.

While donations of money and supplies are always welcome, volunteers—including children with adult supervision—are needed to sew the cases. Local business Fabrics on the Hill is one of 115 chapters where volunteers get simple, easy-to-follow instructions—easy enough that a child can follow them. Owner Kathryn Greer will also sell fabric for the cases at a 20 percent discount. 

For more information about ConKerr Cancer, contact Kathryn Greer at fabricsonthehill@comcast.net and Cindy Kerr at cindy@conkerrcancer.org.

Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (NPIHN)

NPIHN provides a variety of assistance to homeless families, including assessments, referrals, and housing. The organization focuses on keeping families intact while working toward the eventual goal of permanent housing. According to NPIHN Executive Director Rachel Falkove, the organization offers many opportunities for children and their families to volunteer. 

“Young children may come with their parents, bring an activity, toy, game, or book to share with guest children in our program,” said Falkove.  “Play dates are also possible after a relationship between the families is established.” 

Other volunteer opportunities include creating welcome kits for children, pictures for room decorations, and birthday cards. Some volunteer families choose to cook, host, or sleep overnight as hosts. Older children may also volunteer to help with childcare after school and in the evenings, as well as assist with homework.

For more information about NPIHN, call (215) 247-4663.

Teenagers, Inc.

Based in Chestnut Hill, Teenagers, Inc., is a service, educational, and recreational organization for older children in grades seven through 12.  Currently, the organization is planning a service trip to Antigua, Guatemala, June 17 through July 3.  The group’s members are collecting school supplies, toiletries, medicine, and tools to take with them. While there, they will be assisting in various construction projects at a homeless shelter and children’s center. 

Local teen Olivia Dean finds the service projects very rewarding, particularly the upcoming Guatemala project. 

“I love helping people,” said Dean.  “This is my third year on the Guatemala trip.”

For more information about Teenagers, Inc., contact Marianne Dwyer at mdwyer325@aol.com.

Some Tips When Planning a Volunteer Project with a Child

• Start by brainstorming ideas with your child.  Make a list of the kinds of issues that interest your child: homelessness, hunger, stray animals, the environment, children in need, the elderly.
• Once you have a list, find out which organizations provide services or address these issues.
• Check the status of these organizations with an independent evaluation service, such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.
• Call or email each organization and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator or executive director about your child’s interest. Liability is, understandably, a concern, so make sure that the organization understands that you will be participating with your child. You should also feel completely at ease with the organization and the people who will be working with you and your child.
• Once you’ve fully vetted the charities, speak with your child about which one would be the best fit. If your child is old enough to volunteer, they are old enough to participate in this decision.
• Rather than an open-ended promise to help, commit to a specific, age-appropriate project that can be completed within a reasonable timeframe. The charity will appreciate it, and it helps you and your child better plan. It also gives your child more of a sense of accomplishment.
• Make sure that your child’s efforts will be recognized in some way. Most organizations will send a letter or certificate of appreciation. While adults usually don’t volunteer for the recognition, children, particularly younger children, need to have their work recognized. Ask if your child can meet someone benefiting from their efforts or with a representative of the organization. Even if that’s not possible or appropriate, plan a special celebration with your child.  Good works should be encouraged.