Attitude of Gratitude 10 ways to give back as a family BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED. Volunteering as a family is a meaningful way to spend time together and give back. Check out these heart-warming options for kids and families in the metro by age.
Elementary Kids The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma offers high- energy, high-reward opportunities for kids ages 8 and up to sort and pack food for those in need in our community. Join a shift as a family, or sign up with a group. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Find opportunities for families, individuals and groups at regionalfoodbank.org/volunteer.
Toddlers & Preschoolers Spread the love of reading through Booksgiving! In partnership with Little Read Wagon , every Friday in November families can hide new or gently used books in area parks for other children to find. Books are packaged with a note explaining the book is free to the finder. Get more information at littlereadwagonok.com. While not as many organized opportunities exist for this age group, there are plenty of developmentally-appropriate ways to introduce the idea of volunteerism. Plan a day to pick up trash at your favorite local park (and invite friends and neighbors to join you), gather gently used toys to deliver to Infant Crisis Services or host a drive to collect items for a nonprofit with a mission that resonates with your little one (collect pet food donations for Pet Food Pantry or items for the individuals served by Homeless Alliance ).
Every Second Saturday, February through November, families can join Restore OKC for a community workday. Projects include gardening, basic home repairs and making deliveries to seniors. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to participate. Shifts are from 8:30 a.m. to noon and include breakfast and lunch. Find out more at volunteer.restoreokc.org.
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2023
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