Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Boston

It can be tough to find local volunteer opportunities for kids, so we've compiled a list of places around Boston that allow families with younger children to participate.

Volunteering at home is a wonderful solution for families who want to make a difference, though there is nothing quite like helping out in your own community.

Has your family tried any kids volunteer opportunities around Boston? Share your experience below by adding a review or suggesting another favorite organization for the list!


 
    Catching Joy
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     (831.3 mi)

    Ages

    All Ages

    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.

    Cradles to Crayons
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     (833.4 mi)

    Ages

    5+ years

    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.

    Wright Locke Farm
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     (836.3 mi)

    Ages

    12+ years, younger volunteers allowed with a parent

    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.

    Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly
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     (839.3 mi)

    Ages

    All Ages, some activities may have a recommended age

    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.

    The Greater Boston Food Bank
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     (842.2 mi)

    Ages

    Children, as young as 10 years, can volunteer through the Kids Who Care program. All other opportunities require volunteers to be 16+ years

    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.

    Heading Home Inc.
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     (842.5 mi)

    Ages

    Volunteers under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult, those under 18 years must have a parent/guardian signed consent form

    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.

    Boston Cares
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     (843.0 mi)

    Ages

    5+ years, event description will note volunteer age requirements

    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.

    Scituate Animal Shelter
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     (860.1 mi)

    Ages

    No age restriction, some tasks are limited to kids 12+ years

    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.

Primary photo:   Upparent

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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