National Family Volunteer Day is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, to kick off the holiday season with giving and service. It is a wonderful way to begin the season as you get to spend quality time with the ones you love and grow together in showing compassion for others.
One way to decide what to do for National Family Volunteer Day is to ask yourself these questions:
- What interests us? What do we care about most?
- What do we like to do? What skills and talents can we offer?
- What projects would be suitable for all our family members?
- How might the volunteering experience benefit our family?
Once you answer these questions, you can choose the service that best fits your family’s needs. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Volunteer at the local food bank. Both the Maui Food Bank and Feed My Sheep are nonprofits on Maui that offer opportunities for families to serve. Whether it’s sorting canned goods, preparing foods to serve the hungry and the homeless, or working in the centers, there is a place for you.
- Volunteer at a nursing or retirement home. Simply spending quality time with the elderly is a service. You can bring along a board game or cards, a care package or a home-baked treat as well. Talking story with those at the nursing home can turn around their day and lift their spirits; it can lift your spirits too!
- Volunteer with a local nonprofit for a beach cleanup day.
- Volunteer at a local school.
- Volunteer at the Maui Humane Society. A couple of ways you can help as a family are with their cat care and socialization, and dog walking and socialization programs.
- Create care packages and distribute to the homeless. You may want to include baby wipes, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, applesauce, pudding cups, trail mix, beef jerky, water, travel coffee mugs, gift cards, and/or bandages.
- Serve a family in need by providing a Thanksgiving meal, or assist them with chores/maintenance for their home.
