Holiday Season Volunteeer Opportunities for Kids
Is there a good program in this area that helps kids get involved in community service during the holiday season? I know that high schools have a lot of opportunities, but what about ideas for younger children?
When our kids were little, we participated in the Holiday Program at the Samaritan House. It's a wonderful way to help kids learn about the needs of others; there are opportunities to deliver to homes, to collect food and gifts and to help pack things up for delivery. They're very well organized.
Samaritan House Holiday Program
The Samaritan House - Administrative Offices
I just came across a few opportunities that are easy to accomplish with younger kids. They both involve donating items - one used and one new. You can shop for gift cards and bring them to the San Mateo Senior Center for them to distribute to needy seniors. Also, you can donate warm coats at the Hillsdale Mall. That announcement is attached. These simple activities can help smaller children understand that there is a world beyond their own.
I just saw this discussion and think it is the perfect time to be thinking about volunteering to help others. We really should be doing that year-round, but I nkow it's especially important during the holidays. If you can't find a local organization (fire or police dept. toy drive, Samaritan House, church dining hal), maybe think about organizing your own food or clothing drive or other activity. My friends and I hit up one or two of the shopping malls that are hosting "giving trees." We each select a name of someone on the tree, and buy that individual their wish list gift. We make a day of it, heading out afterward to volunteer at dining halls for food prep or sorting clothes at Goodwill. Just call first to let them nkow you're coming. : ) You'll spend a terrific day with friends, and feel incredibly good that you helped those in need. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
Goodwill Industries - San Mateo
Samaritan House - Client Services
The Lucille Francard Center/Clothes Closet
East Palo Alto
Hillsborough
Mountain View
Foster City
San Bruno
San Carlos
Millbrae
Redwood Shores
Half Moon Bay
Menlo Park
Burlingame
Belmont
Redwood City
South San Francisco
Palo Alto
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