By Kate Atwood
Philanthropy amongst families is certainly not a new concept in the world of charity, but these days we are seeing more and more families giving back together in creative ways.
It is an encouraging trend that has proven to bring families closer together and facilitate healthier communication within households. By identifying the right project, both parents and children can learn that volunteering is fun and rewarding at any age.
With summer around the corner, it’s a great time to plan a volunteer experience for your family. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.
Take a family vacation that gives back. More and more opportunities exist today that allow you to plan a cultural adventure for your family that also incorporates a project to help people and places in need. Check out Earthwatch (earthwatch.org)for a real hands-on environmental adventure. If you are looking for humanitarian projects, a great resource is Cross-Cultural Solutions (crossculturalsolutions.org).
Host a neighborhood barbeque that is also a supply drive for a local shelter or food bank. Pick an organization such as Atlanta Community Food Bank (acfb.org) and include the list of supplies with your invitation, asking your guests to bring one item. Kids also enjoy doing this with birthday parties and other special occasions. Suggest having them collect supplies for an animal shelter, school or community center.
Set-up a lemonade stand and raise money for a cause. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (alexslemonade.org) is a non-profit organization setting out to cure childhood cancer one lemonade stand at a time. Check out the site and you’ll not only be inspired, but also informed and equipped with the tools to set-up your own lemonade stand.
Swim, bike, run or skate your way to a giving goal. A great way for you and your kids to stay active over the summer is to plan a fundraiser around a favorite sport or hobby. Any activity can be built into a fundraiser for your favorite cause. Plan a swim-a-thon, and get $1 pledges for every lap you swim. You can set a goal for each family member and collectively make an impactful donation to a charity of your choice.
For more tips, tools and ideas check out Hands On Atlanta – Family and Youth Volunteering (handsonatlanta.org) and The Volunteer Family (thevolunteerfamily.org)
No matter what you decide to do this summer, if you find some time to give to each other and the community, it is certain to be one filled with fun, love, and great reward.
Speaking of family volunteering, this March, Kate’s Club will be honoring the Ohlhausen Family: Katherine, Eric, Marshall and Wallis – an Intown family who have given in many ways to Kate’s Club over the past several years.
The Ohlhausens will be honored along with a Child Champion and a Volunteer Champion at the 6th Annual Kate’s Club Dinner of Champions. The event is being held Wednesday, March 23, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.
For event information, head over to katesclub.org.
