Looking for something to do with your family that’s different from movie night and will make a lasting impact? Volunteering as a family has countless benefits for everyone involved. When we serve alongside our children, we are showing them the power of supporting our community, being others-focused, and that when we come together with a goal in mind, incredible things can happen. It’s important for children to see they are not too young to help, and that kids can make a difference in their community, too!
There are many local places where families are able to volunteer with their children. If you’ve been looking for a place to serve, look no further. Here are some options for you!
Brooke’s Place
8935 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis
At Brooke’s Place, children learn to honor and cherish loved ones they’ve lost and now carry in their heart. Brooke’s Place provides peer support groups and therapy services to support grieving children and their families in a safe and confidential atmosphere. Kids aged 14+ can spend two evenings a month on a set schedule serving as Brooke’s Place Buddies. Being a Buddy often includes more behind-the-scenes effort and less direct contact with families. Buddies provide assistance to participants throughout the evening by preparing rooms for evening activities, greeting families as they arrive, setting up/cleaning up for dinner, serving pizza and drinks, setting up the lending library, assisting facilitators with obtaining supplies, and helping with clean-up after program night activities.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Did you know The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a non-profit organization? Volunteers are crucial to their set up, and families can work together as a team. Shifts are flexible, ranging from weekly, bi-weekly, occasional, weekend, evening and special events. Youth must be 8+ to volunteer.
Humane Society of Indianapolis
7929 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis
The Humane Society offers a number of different ways for families to get involved. Parents and kids ages 8+ can work onsite directly with the animals in the Parent & Me program. There must be one adult per child, and volunteers must commit to donating 4 to 8 hours per month on a set weekly or bi-weekly schedule. Volunteers who donate at least 8 hours monthly will be eligible for volunteer perks. In order to join the Parent & Me program, an application and training are required.
Mid-North Food Pantry
3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Families work to process donations and pre-fill bags at the Mid-North food pantry on select days and times. This shift includes tasks which may be suitable for parents and children ages 5 to 17 working together, but contact them ahead of time at [email protected] if you want to volunteer as a family pair or group. During the warmer months, volunteers are needed to tend the garden.
Second Helpings
1121 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis
Second Helpings has multiple volunteer opportunities available to families with children of all ages, such as collection drives, landscaping, van washing or cleaning. For teenagers ages 16+, onsite volunteer tasks are available. Families can also sign up for the “on call” list which alerts families to ways they can volunteer together throughout the year. Be sure to check out their website for more information on all of the ways you can get involved.
