Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Boston

Tracy Snyder Molina:   Catching Joy provides volunteer opportunities for families and young children. They organize hands-on activities that kids can do to let them feel the joy of giving back by using their own talents with activities/events like decorating bookmarks while collecting pajamas and children's books for kids in need or making ornaments for trees to be donated to charities.

Amanda Banta:  Cradles to Crayons helps to provide children living in poverty with the items they need to succeed in childhood. At the Giving Factory, volunteers will check for quality standards, sort and package donated items that will be distributed to kids in need.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring one new or like new item to donate. The organization has a consistent need for size 6 diapers, clothing, chapter books, bed sheets and toothpaste. Check the entire list of what the organization can accept on their website.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Go organic raspberry picking! Wright Locke Farm offers pick-your-own organic raspberries in late summer. Sign up to become a volunteer with your kids and help with the setup and picking stations during "open pick hours." Solo volunteers should be over 12 years, but younger children and parents are exceptions pending they volunteer together - contact to confirm.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly is an organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Give the gift of companionship by visiting a senior citizen who may be isolated, deliver holiday meals and provide transportation for elders able to attend holiday celebrations, or volunteer at the Pop-Up Pantry and help elders to independently "shop." Another way to help from home with your kids is to volunteer to bake treats to accompany meal deliveries.

Amanda Banta:  The Greater Boston Food Bank works to end hunger by providing supplies to food banks and programs in Eastern Massachusetts.

Volunteers at the main distribution center will check, sort and package food and grocery products that will be distributed to families in need.

Amanda Banta:  Heading Home helps homeless and formerly homeless low-income families get and stay on their feet with housing and support services.

In the Lorello Up & Out program, volunteers clean, prepare and present an apartment to a family moving from transitional to permanent housing. In addition to year-round volunteer opportunities, Heading Home runs a Holiday Gift Drive.

Amanda Banta:  With more than 250 service events a month, Boston Cares provides a way for individuals and groups to find single and regular volunteer opportunities with its partner agencies in the Greater Boston area. See the Boston Cares calendar for upcoming opportunities. Check out youth and family friendly programs, including an annual Family Volunteer Day.

Amanda Banta:  The Scituate Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that houses and places animals in homes and other services.

Kids, of any age, can help the shelter with a variety of service projects and many of these can be done at home, from writing letters to the local newspaper and donating to the shelter in lieu of birthday gifts. There are on-site opportunities for kids at least 12 years old.