Taking action: Volunteering as a family for Thanksgiving

November 9, 4:43 PMRichmond Parenting ExaminerHelen Mason

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Richmond Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Volunteering shows communities that their families care

Children of all ages can learn immensely from charitable giving and Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to join together as a family, chose an organization that does work the family cares about, and volunteer or organize a donation to support it.

By identifying a joint cause, families work together to identify and demonstrate specific values that are important to the family. Children and their parents can be exposed to issues outside of their normal comfort zone and develop a team pride in the work they do together. In a culture of commercialism, learning to give back is important. Parents are often the only people who teach their children the importance of making a personal contribution to the community in which they live.

In Richmond there are many opportunities to give back to the community. Volunteers and donations are always needed, especially at times such a Thanksgiving where the demand for special services, such as collecting and donating turkeys, is high. The following local organizations are a great place to start for families looking to make a contribution:

• Central Virginia Food Bank
• Peter Paul Development Center
• United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg
• American Red Cross
• Boaz & Ruth
• Richmond SPCA
• Nature Abounds
• Henrico Doctor's Hospital
• Bon Secours Hospitals
• Dogs on Call
• Caritas
• Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• Many churches and schools coordinate additional volunteer opportunities.

In a season focused on Thanksgiving, volunteering can bring to like the true meaning of being thankful for all the gifts in a family's life; and, teaching children the importance of having a social conscious helps secure the future of our communities for many years to come.