There is something truly special about volunteering as a family. Parents set powerful examples for their children, little ones get to help the grown-ups with unique and exciting tasks, and family members bond as they tackle new challenges together. Best of all, families can experience the glow of goodwill that comes from making a difference in their community. In this article, we’re exploring some of the best ways to volunteer with your family in Kansas City.
Tip: Most organizations require volunteers to register online. Visit one of the websites listed below to begin your volunteering journey.
1. Spread kindness and creativity at KindCraft. This organization hosts a monthly service night for families in Olathe. At past events, families have made care packages for seniors, assembled Easter baskets for foster children and created mats for the homeless community. No matter what the project is, KindCraft has a knack for transforming it into an engaging activity for all ages. KindCraft.org
2. Show some love to your favorite park with Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Throughout the year, volunteers work with Kansas City Parks and Recreation to clean and beautify local landscapes. Families with a passion for gardening can help plant and maintain our parks’ trees, shrubs and flowers. You can also sign up to remove invasive honeysuckle, clear brush or clean up litter. KCParks.org
3. Make new friends at your local assisted living facility. Even if you do not have a relative living on the premises, you can visit the residents at many senior homes. Families can do various activities with seniors, such as read to them, play games, make crafts or simply chat about life. In some cases, your pet might get to volunteer with you! Some facilities allow well-behaved pets to visit residents for snuggles and cuddles. Call your local senior center to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
4. Transform trash into treasure at Scraps KC. Located in Kansas City, Mo., this one-of-a-kind art store repurposes used and surplus materials into school, office and craft supplies. Children as young as 3 can volunteer with their families at the store. Common tasks include sorting and packaging donations, assembling kits, organizing supplies and pricing items. ScrapsKC.org
5. Pack nutritious meals at Harvesters. For over 40 years, Harvesters has provided nonprofits with the resources to fight hunger. Volunteers ages 12 and up can sort and pack food at the Kansas City and Lawrence warehouses. Additionally, the Harvesters website lists multiple agency partners that welcome volunteers. Depending on the agency, parents and children can help unload donations, stock pantry shelves or assist with cleanup. Harvesters.org
6. Help families thrive at River of Refuge. This Kansas City-based nonprofit provides shelter for working families facing homelessness. It also offers educational resources to help families pay off debts and acquire homes of their own. On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers of all ages can help with the shelter’s upkeep. Duties include cleaning, yard maintenance and gardening. RiverOfRefuge.com
7. Support your hometown with Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Calling all Shawnee residents! The City of Shawnee’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors program matches volunteers with citizens who need help taking care of their homes. Families can assist with yard maintenance, raking, lawn mowing, window washing and more. CityOfShawnee.org
8. Keep Kansas City sustainable with Bridging the Gap. Based in Kansas City, Mo., Bridging the Gap supports our environment through educational programs and volunteer opportunities. The organization also partners with several recycling centers. Children ages 8 and up can serve at these centers with their parents. Together, families can break down and organize cardboard boxes, ensure that the bins remain contaminant-free and help visitors recycle unwanted items. Bridging the Gap also hosts outdoor programs where participants can plant trees, remove invasive plants and collect native seeds. BridgingTheGap.org
9. Help people furnish their homes with Flourish. Flourish is a furniture bank in Grandview that provides household goods for people in need. If your kids are 12 or older, they can assist with an array of tasks, such as sorting and cleaning donations, loading items into vehicles and assembling bed sets. If your family is creative, you’ll enjoy organizing the assorted tableware donations into stylish, cohesive sets. Families of all skill levels can also participate in sewing projects. FlourishFurnitureBank.org
10. Make a paws-itive impact at your local animal shelter. Quite a few animal shelters allow children to volunteer alongside their parents. Families can help by exercising the animals, stocking supplies and cleaning beds and kennels. If your little ones aren’t old enough to help out at the shelter, consider fostering instead. You can pick what type of animal you want to care for and whether you want to provide an overnight stay or long-term care. Most animal shelters supply all the necessary food, toys and medical treatment. And if you fall in love with your foster pet, remember that adoption is an option!
11. Support human dignity with Giving the Basics. Giving the Basics is a nonprofit in Kansas City, Kan., that provides low-income individuals with essential hygiene supplies such as soap, deodorant and toothbrushes. On the second Tuesday of each month, individuals and families can gather at the headquarters to sort and package products for distribution. GivingTheBasics.org
12. Ignite visitors’ interest in history at Missouri Town and Fort Osage. Studying our community’s history helps us pave the way for a better future. Two of the best places to learn about the past are Missouri Town and Fort Osage, both located in Jackson County. Families with a passion for learning (and dress-up!) can volunteer as living history interpreters at these locations. Your family can choose a 19th-century occupation to research (such as hearth cooking or blacksmithing) and professional historic interpreters will teach you how to bring this skill to life for visitors. MakeYourDayHere.com
However your family chooses to volunteer, take the time to explain to your children how your service will benefit others. Together, you and your family can change your community for the better—and you can have fun doing it!
Bonus TIP: Volunteering at Home
Here are some of our favorite ways to volunteer from home:
- Host a virtual food drive.
- Make blankets for a local hospital.
- Sign up on the Harvesters website to make cards for seniors (Harvesters.org).
- Prepare a meal for someone in need.
- Assemble Happy Kits for patients at Children’s Mercy (ChildrensMercy.org).
- Collect unwanted clothes and toys to donate.
Anna Hiestand resides in Blue Springs with her family. She has a passion for writing, art and cinema.