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Sow seeds of service
 
Sneak in a little valuable education this summer by turning some of the kids' vacation time into volunteer time.  Here are a few kid-friendly ideas:
 
~ The Let's Go to Bat for Kids event offers many ways that kids can help other kids through volunteering. 
 
~ Check into volunteer needs at Youth & Amateur Sporting Events hosted by the West Michigan Sports Commission. 
 
~ Spend a few hours as a family Picking Produce at an area farm to benefit Feeding America West Michigan.
 
~ Help Lincoln School serve special needs students by holding a neighborhood supply collection or volunteering at special school activities.
 
Search Volunteer Solutions for over 350 other ways to serve!
 
Grow it... and give it away
 
veggies in a basketLooking for an easy, at-home way your kids can volunteer this summer?  Why not grow a donation garden!  Your family can work together to plant, weed, harvest and then donate your crops to a local food pantry.
 
Here are a few places that accept garden produce:
 Or call United Way's 2-1-1 to find a pantry near you!
 
Volunteer vacation top 5
volunteer vacation imageWhy volunteer as a family this summer vacation? Because, volunteering with your kids can be:
  • a chance to make new friends
  • a good workout
  • a way to pass along your values
  • an opportunity to learn new skills
  • fun and inspiring
Children who volunteer are more likely to continue volunteering as adults and carry on the tradition with their own children. You have the power to inspire a lifetime of service in your kids this summer.
 
Looking for more? Check out our accompanying blog post and Family Volunteering webapge. 
 
"Giving kids clothes and food is one thing, but it's much more important to teach them that other people besides themselves are important, and that the best thing they can do with their lives is to use them in the service of other people."
              ~ Delores Huerta
 Mathis family LIVES UNITED
Did you know?
 
Your kids really do pay attention to you!
 
Check out two great examples of how parents inspired their kids to pursue volunteerism:
 
 
 
Inspired by their stories?  Read on to see how you can include even a child as young as a toddler in your giving and volunteering: 
 
It's your turn 
 
Write down your personal story of who or what inspires you to volunteer.  Or, tell us how you want to inspire your kids.  To share your story with us, email it to Jessica.  We'd love to hear from you!
Contact us
Jane Royer
Volunteer Center Director
 
Volunteer Center Program Coordinator
 
Volunteer Center Assistant
 
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