Due to it being summertime, many of us are left with a lot of free time, especially children. Families can spend more time with each other doing meaningful activities. One of these activities is volunteering, a great way to not only give back, but also spend time together. Here are some ways you can volunteer in your local community as it can be hard to think of ways to get involved!
🥣Homeless Shelters and/or Soup Kitchens:
First, consider volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Many of these places lack volunteers, so helping them, alongside the food bank in your area, can make a great impact. When volunteering at a homeless shelter, you can help serve food and drinks during peak summer heat. To find these opportunities, simply search for the homeless shelter and/or soup kitchen nearest to you. Most of the time, they will have a place where you can sign up to volunteer as well as picking a convenient date and time for you!
🚮Community Clean-Up Days:
Next, participate in community clean-up events. Most communities host clean-up days where you and your family can volunteer in keeping your community safe, clean, and welcoming. Most of the time, you will go around public parks and sidewalks and help pick up trash. Find these on our event calendar.
🐕Animal Shelters:
Lastly, if your family loves pets and animals, animal shelters are a great place to spend time caring for them. It is also very welcoming. There is a downside, however, some of these animal shelters might not allow children under 13, so be aware if you want to bring a little one. Here, you would help walk dogs, care for the animals and clean their living areas. Additionally, you may do some office work to help the staff.
By spending quality time with your family doing activities like this during summer break, you can help give back to the community as well, making it a gratifying experience!
Find local volunteer opportunities in our Volunteer Guide:
 |
References/Websites to Sign Up:
“10-Creative-Ways-To-Volunteer.” Www.waldenu.edu, www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/10-creative-ways-to-volunteer. Accessed 18 June 2026.
“Special Cleanup Events | Fredericksburg, va - Official Website.” Fredericksburgva.gov, 2026, www.fredericksburgva.gov/474/Special-Cleanup-Events. Accessed 18 June 2026.
“Stafford County, VA.” Staffordcountyva.gov, 2026, staffordcountyva.gov/government/departments_p-z/social_services/volunteer_opportunities.php. Accessed 18 June 2026.
