This past month has been eye-opening for me in the sense that we–no, I–spoil our children. Our oldest son came home and asked me if he could have $20 for an event at school. I replied “sure,” and that was it. Well, the next day he asked for another $15 for lunch. I gave it to him, but as he was leaving for school it dawned on me that I had given my penniless child $35.00 in less than 48 hours! This generation does not have a clue about all the hard work that parents put into their lives so they can have all the wants and needs of life.
So, this year, my husband and I decided to give our children the gift of time and humility. In the past, we have had the kids volunteer at our church and help feed those who are without food. But this year, we are kicking it up a notch. I have identified three local organizations that we can volunteer with this holiday season and throughout the year. Below are the three places to volunteer in Kansas City that I chose for our family.
Ages of People Allowed to Volunteer: 11-18
Location: 3269 Roanoke Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
What ScrapsKC is: A unique space that is based on renew, reuse, and repurpose. ScrapsKC accepts donated craft materials and other items to sell in their store. In addition to the awesome job they do with providing a creative space, ScrapsKC also serves Kansas City’s homeless population. Find current volunteer opportunities here.
Ages of People Allowed to Volunteer: 10-13 (accompanied with adult), or 14 and up.
Location: 11 E 40th St, Kansas City, MO, 64111
What is NourishKC?: This nonprofit is here to provide healthy food to an underserved and underprivileged area of our city. NourishKC has been serving the community for over 30 years! There are many ways to serve, outlined on their website.
Location: Main Location is at 4400 Raytown Road
What is KC Pet Project?: KC Pet Project is a program that focuses on saving the precious lives of homeless pets in the Kansas City area. They save about 5,000 animals a year and need help keeping up with all of them. Their program KCCP Pit Crew is essential to the pets. All you have to do is attend a volunteer orientation to get involved!
Playgroups are at the main shelter location at 4400 Raytown Road from 8:00 am – noon, every day, and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday – Thursday.
As a family, we are making a commitment to not only volunteer our time this holiday season, but all year long. If we lead by example and do this fantastic work now, our kids can see kindness still exists in a world that is trying to show us otherwise.
Children and Adults can also volunteer with Free Hot Soup KC and KC Heroes…both can be found on Facebook.