This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Family Volunteer Day. All opinions expressed are my own.
One thing I love about the Thanksgiving season is how taking the time to think about all the things I am grateful for in my life makes me want to help other people who are not as fortunate. My husband and I tell our kids all the time about how we can show thankfulness for our blessings by serving others. Family Volunteer Day on November 18, 2017, is the perfect opportunity to get our family together and do something to make a difference in the world.
It didn’t take long for me to figure out what I wanted us to do for Family Volunteer Day (sponsored by Disney and generationOn) this year. I was at swim lessons with my kids and noticed a flyer from a local organization asking people to donate shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for needy children in countries throughout the world. My kids love the idea of helping other kids. We can even track our gift boxes to find out where in the world they end up.
My family packed two shoeboxes with as many small gift items as we could possibly fit inside. Each shoebox contains requested items like socks, toothbrushes, school supplies, washcloths and bar soap. The rest is fun stuff like a slinky, a yo-yo, Play-doh, light up bracelets, watercolor paints, and Hot Wheels cars.
As the kids and I packed each empty shoebox, I asked them to imagine if every single they would get for Christmas this year had to fit inside of a shoebox. Honestly, it really was hard for them to imagine that! They are used to getting so many big things. It was hard for them to believe that our box of gifts could be the only thing a child in need will receive.
We also talked about how these gifts would bring joy to children and how giving to others can make our hearts feel happy. I am glad we chose to do this project.
Next week is the shoebox donation drop-off day in our town. We are looking forward to adding our gift-filled shoeboxes to our community’s collective donation. When we work together, we can make an even bigger impact on the world.
Family Volunteer Day occurs annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Do you want your family to make a difference on Family Volunteer Day?
How To Find Family Volunteer Day Service Project Ideas in Your Community
It is easier than you may think to find a way to serve others in your community. Search the Family Volunteer Day page at generationOn.org and type in your Zip Code to see local service project ideas your family can do or find more than 100 DIY projects. The GenerationOn website tells you everything you need to know about how to do these projects.
A few of my favorite family service project ideas listed there include:
- Homemade Doggie Treats (for dogs at your local animal shelter)
- Healthy Kits for Kids (create toiletry kits for children living in homeless shelters)
- Cheer Cards For Senior Citizens (make greeting cards and deliver to senior citizen homes)
Family Volunteer Day is celebrated as the global day of service, but our families can find ways to serve others throughout the holiday season and every day during the year. For ideas on how you and your family can give back, please visit www.generationOn.org/fvd
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Which service project did you choose for your family to do this year? #FamilyVolunteerDay
