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We can encourage our children to volunteer right along with us. Being involved at a young age is a great opportunity for our children to learn the importance of helping others.

In our church we have always participated in our local food pantry. The kids began by bringing can goods and other food items to add to the collection. After doing this for a few weeks, we had a chance to take the food to the pantry and stock the shelves. We were then asked if we would like to help distribute the food the following week to the families.

The process of handing out bags of groceries to these families was indeed a humble experience. I was not expecting the encounter to have such an impact on myself or the kids.

Other opportunities came along. I believe our kids learn from watching us. Being involved in any community service gives us all a chance to give back when we have been so blessed. Volunteering has given us a broader understanding of the needs of others and provided lifelong lessons for all of us.

In high school, my older son was involved in student council and began a food drive around Thanksgiving. At Christmas, he started a toy drive for a local charity and this became a yearly event. One teacher nominated him for an award as an outstanding member of the community, which he received. I can't help but believe his involvement as a young boy made a lasting impression.

We have been fortunate in our church to offer many different "mission trips" to our youth and the trips have taken them to The Appalachian Mountains to put roofs on houses, paint and repair properties. These trips have certainly been worthwhile and memorable. They worked hard, but came home feeling like they had made a difference.

You can pick up any local paper and find a need for volunteers. By supporting your kids in any way to help others will build good character and self esteem. To make it even more fun for them you can let them invite a friend along. I truly believe this experience not only helps them appreciate how they live but gives them empathy for others as well.

The fact is, there are so many needs in our communities and beyond; as parents all we have to do is give them that opportunity to participate. I believe we can help encourage our kids to reach out to others but only if we are willing to reach out ourselves.

Learn more about this author, Peggy Lindgren.
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