With hectic schedules and busy lives, many families find it difficult to spend time together. Why not volunteer together? Not only will you be spending time together, you’ll be helping to make our community better! Here are some ideas for your family from Points of Light Foundation, depending on the age of your child(ren).

You can also click here to find opportunities at local DuPage County non-profits.

AGES 1 – 4

• Visit a nursing home – bring homemade treats or gifts
• Read books to children at the library or community center
• Deliver meals prepared for those who are homebound
• Adopt a zoo animal

AGES 5 - 7

• Clean up litter in a park or playground
• Sort/pack bags of food at a local food pantry
• Hold a coat, mitten, hat, scarf drive
• Bake sweets and deliver them to a place where they’ll be enjoyed
• Enjoy a fundraising walk for a cause the family cares about
• Make sandwiches for individuals who are homeless

AGES 8 - 10

• Help set tables and serve food at a shelter for individuals who are homeless
• Collect clothing or school supplies in the community for others in need
• If your family has a pet, volunteer to take it to an adult day care center for a visit
• Walk dogs at the animal shelter
• Take a homebound elderly friend to lunch or dinner
• Write to pen pals at a Veteran’s hospital or nursing home

AGES 11 - 12

• Read to younger children at your local library
• Suggest and choose family volunteer activities with other family volunteers
• Mow the grass for a senior in your neighborhood
• Study an endangered species and raise awareness among your classmates about the animal
• Encourage volunteering in your classroom and school
• Join a gleaning project – pick the fruit or vegetables at local farms and give the "fruits" of your labor to a food pantry
• Design cards for children who are hospitalized
• Clean up beaches or parks/beautifying neighborhoods
• Provide foster homes for pets
• Raise money to buy books for literacy programs