Volunteering with kids (not for SSL)

[Anonymous]

My kids are 11 and 14. I'd like all three of us to volunteer once a month or every other week, preferably at the same place, doing something that involves actual work. This is not for SSL hours, we want to actually be of use. Working with food, seniors or children would be best. Or we could tutor. Or something parks-related. But I'm not good with animals. We live in Bethesda. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Contact a nursing home and ask - I am certain they would love your children and you to do something! Any organization working with with children will require too may bureaucratic stuff (fingerprint/background checks), or won't be with the children (eg, sorting donations at A Wider Circle, which would love to have you as well!).

[Anonymous]

Your 11-year-old is not old enough yet to be able to work with children. You could easily contact your local parks department and find out if there is an organization that does clean up. I’m not sure if a nursing home or assisted living facility would be open to an 11-year-old normally they require teens and adults.

You can contact so others may eat, dc food bank and Martha’s table for information on what you could do. So others may eat will definitely be interested in your help I’m not sure about your 14-year-old and they probably would not allow your 11-year-old In the kitchen due to liability. They might be open to having the three of you serve the food together.

[Anonymous]

The Village at Rockville would welcome your family - though your 11 year old must be accompanied by you until they are 13. They do offer SSL hours to teens, if they need them. You can contact the volunteer coordinator to see what volunteer opportunities might be available for a family.

[Anonymous]

A Wider Circle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A Wider Circle

+1. They can always use help sorting donations and the kids can do it with you. You can work in the toy section or book section at that age.