How Kids Can Volunteer from Home

In the midst of the current pandemic, taking steps to become an active volunteer can be a bit more challenging than it used to be. However, with today’s technology and a recent shift in volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved right from your own home. If you’re looking for ways for your kids to volunteer from home, look no further. We’ve put together a list of the best ways to volunteer from home that will make a lasting impact far beyond your household and community.

Write Letters

With an increase in stay-at-home orders and social distancing, many people are missing and craving day-to-day social connection. One way to regain some of that social connection while remaining covid-friendly is by writing letters and sending them to a boys and girls home, an elderly person or community, or any organization of your choosing.

If you’re not exactly sure how to go about this volunteering opportunity, there are a number of organizations that can help you get started. Here are a list of some great letter-writing volunteer opportunities that are sure to put a smile on someone’s face:

If writing is something that your child is interested in or particularly good at, consider writing letters as a form of volunteering. Not only will your child be able to work on their writing skills, but they will also be able to further develop and understand the importance of human connection, empathy, and gratitude in doing so.

Make Masks

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, many people have taken their craft making to a new level by creating and distributing masks to those in need. From foster homes to the homeless community, masks have been of high demand, especially for low income and at-risk communities, since the beginning of the pandemic. That said, creating and distributing these masks is a great way to help others while at home.

How to make a mask

When it comes to making masks, there are countless videos on the internet that can show you quick and easy ways to cover your mouth and nose. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has put together a tutorial on how to make sewn and non-sewn masks that are CDC approved to slow the spread of covid-19.

Donating the Masks

Once the masks are made, there are two ways in which you can distribute your volunteer work efforts. First, you can get in touch with an organization of your choosing and let them know you have masks that you want to donate to their community. Some organizations such as the International Rescue Committee have remote face mask sewing volunteer opportunities that outline this process easily.

Another way that you can distribute the masks is to sell them online or to others by word of mouth and ship them out. With the money made from selling these items, you can donate the funds to an organization of your choice.

Fostering Animals in a Time of Need

Volunteering time and services can come in a variety of ways. With that in mind, a fun way to volunteer from home is by fostering animals, even just temporarily. Foster homes for animals are in extremely high demand right now as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. That said, many animals are looking for a loving family to take them in while they are awaiting their new home.

Fostering animals not only has a huge benefit for the animal being given a loving temporary home, but also teaches your child valuable lessons in doing so as well. From nurturing to learning how to let go when the adoption time comes, there are many lessons that your child can learn when volunteering to foster an animal.

If you and your family are interested in fostering an animal, the best way to get information is by contacting your local animal shelter or adoption organization. Who knows, you might even end up falling in love with the animal you bring into your home and decide to make them the newest member of your family!

Get Connected Through the Children’s Bureau—We don’t have any remote volunteering opps at this time.

Lastly, another great way for your child to get involved from your own home is by volunteering time and resources to the Children’s Bureau. With a number of digital giving opportunities and ways to join the cause, the Children’s Bureau seeks to better the lives of children in vulnerable communities. In doing so, your child will learn to understand the significance of a safe and nurturing home along with other valuable lessons.

All for One and One for All

While volunteering from home will not necessarily be the norm forever, it is still undeniably important to support our communities and local organizations while the pandemic is existent. In fact, many of the communities that typically need support on a regular basis are the ones struggling the most during these uncertain times. By teaching children about giving back and supporting our communities, we can all work together to uplift one another and keep moving onwards and upwards as a society.

Reviewed by:

Susan J. Wood, Director of Mental Health

Susan J. Wood, LMFT is the Director of Mental Health at Children’s Bureau and has over 20 years of experience working with children in a community mental health setting. She joined Children’s Bureau in 2015 as a Program Manager in the Antelope Valley and became the program director in June 2018 where she was instrumental in opening and expanding mental health services to the Santa Clarita Valley and Long Beach.

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