There are some seasons in life when it might not be the best idea to make an outside commitment to a non-profit.
Perhaps you are car-less or sleepless or you have a wee newborn or a busload of kids.
Don’t be disheartened. There are plenty of ways you can give to your community…from your little house in Anytown, USA.
You can:
- knit socks for premature infants.
- donate breast milk.
- foster a child.
- put together packets for the homeless.
- spread the word about your favorite charities – via Facebook or Twitter.
- organize a lemonade stand, bake sale, or yard sale…with all of the proceeds going toward a needy family or a 501(c)(3) in your area.
- deliver a meal to someone who is housebound, elderly, ill, pregnant, or with a new baby.
ALSO – Remember that service to your family matters most of all. I often meditate on what Mother Teresa reiterated time and time again: “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones…the ones at home.” As a parent, you may feel like you’re not really serving…but, oh, you ARE. As you brush teeth, give baths, read stories, go on walks, listen to questions, and love intentionally…you are changing the world in the biggest and most important way. You are making an un-eraseable, irrevocable mark on your child’s life. Never, ever take that for granted.
* This is Part III of a three-part series on How To Volunteer With Small Children. [Read Part I and Part II].
What other ideas do you have for how parents can volunteer with small children?
make brownies with kids and take them to the neighbors.
offer to babysit another Mom’s child
donate toys to Mom in need
Love the picture. And the Tea collection outfit looks gorgeous on your preschooler
THANK you for saying that last part about serving those close to home… I think I made that HUGE mistake of thinking that now that I was a stay at home mom, I should…. get out there and volunteer. And I WAY overcommitted when my baby was younger… thinking I could just take him in the carrier and away we’d go. But turns out – he doesn’t enjoy LONG stints in the carrier… AND I was always too tired to really do what I’d volunteered to do… So I found myself not getting ANYTHING done well – volunteering OR home stuff… and I felt terrible about both. So thanks for saying that it’s OKAY to stay home and just mother your kids!! I needed to hear that and I think so do other moms! :)
If thats the shirt, very cute!! :)
It is! I wasn’t sure how that style would look on me, but I actually love it. The material is very nice, not too thick and not too thin: http://www.kaycehughes.com/store/ItemDetail.aspx?iid=47192&tid=19&ac=0.
Yep, I’m with Julie- I REALLY needed to hear that last part today too. Or in general lately. I have always been heavily involved in whatever church we go to- even as a kid- but lately have been wanting to pull back, although I enjoy all the areas I’m working in, I’ve been feeling the pull to be there for my daughters more lately. This afternoon I got a full court press from multiple people on something I finally worked up the nerve to say no to, and I’ve felt terrible since- until I read that last bit. It’s not that the things I do at church aren’t worthy, because they are- probably more so than most other things I could occupy my time with- and I will be able to up my level of involvement at a different season in my life, but for now, with babies at home that are growing too quickly, I need to be here. And THIS is serving too. Thank you for that reminder, Stephanie.
Yes, I am convinced that serving begins at home. Pouring into our kids is the most important kind of volunteerism and sometimes it does (and should) take precedence over giving in the broader community.
Have you heard of Project Linus? They provide blankets to children who are sick, traumatized, or just need a blanket. You shop for the materials and make the blankets at home, then drop them off at the Project Linus chapter. You could involve your kids (if you wanted) by having them help pick out the fabrics for the blankets. They have a pattern that doesn’t require any sewing skills.
You are beautiful…as are your girls! I love that you are serving as a family. My kids have taught me MUCH about serving others. I am often inspired, humbled, and amazed by them. And you’re right, serving in our home first is SO important!
I love it! Such an encouraging post. I so want my kids to have an attitude of serving. And you’ve given us a great example on how to instill that!
I love this piece – thanks so much for posting. I co chair the Chicago Community Walk for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – a huge comittment – and used to volunteer for other groups as well. When I had my son I cut back and now only do the AFSP project, most of which can be done online, over email, or phone until we get close to the event itself. It’s SO important not to overcommit and neglect children or husband or any family!
That being said – 30 charities in 90 days? You guys are my heroes, stay well and be blessed.
Kat