We, as, families are often looking for ways to impart our values into our children. We know that lectures are not the best way to do this, but that actions speak volumes. Let’s see if we can all add a few volunteer experiences this summer for our children. Grandparents can be enlisted if their schedule offers more flexibility than parents who work full-time. I’ve included a few nonprofit organizations here.
Many offer weekends and evenings as well as shifts during the day. They accommodate children as young as 5, but please check each organization for their FAQ, adult/child ratios and policies.
I am also suggesting you pair a “fun” activity before or after the volunteer activity to round out your children’s/grandchildren’s day. Picking an organization outside of Naperville provides the opportunity to explore other towns’ water parks, museums, and forest preserves. Children love trying new ice cream parlors as a final treat, too!
1. Feed My Starving Children
IL – Aurora, Schaumburg, Libertyville. Also, Dallas, Minneapolis, Tempe (AZ)
Families, along with neighbors and friends, can help measure, pack and box up meals. Volunteers as young as 5 or grandparents needing to sit can apply the labels to the bags prior to filling by others. The Schaumburg location is only 15 mins away from Pirates Cove Amusement Park (ages 2-10) or Rainbow Falls Water Park (ages 2-18) both in Elk Grove Village.
2. Bernie’s Book Bank
917 N. Shore Dr. Lake Bluff, IL
Reading to children at an early age supports literacy growth throughout their primary years, making it the most important skill a child can learn. However, two out of the three low-income children have no access to books. Bernie’s Book Bank is changing that by sourcing and distributing quality children’s books to at-risk Chicagoland children, providing each child with 12 books a year from birth to sixth grade. Bernie’s Book Bank welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities to sort books by grade level, sticker and pack children’s books six days a week in their warehouse. The Kohl’s Children’s Museum is only 25 mins away!
3. Chicago Furniture Bank
4801 S. Whipple St. Chicago, Il (near Midway Airport)
Families can help sort housewares, books, or toys. Items such as silverware can be sorted into groups of four by the youngest volunteers. Greeting cards can be written or artwork created by the youngest volunteers, tool Brookfield Zoo is only half hour away!
