Since becoming a mom, I have tried to instill within my children the importance of volunteering in the community.

But here’s the problem: Most community organizations have a minimum age requirement for volunteering and young children don’t usually make the cut.

That’s why I’m thrilled that Mile High Mamas is teaming up with Volunteers of America to regularly post volunteer opportunities the entire family can enjoy together.

Why do it? Not only does it feel great to help others but it strengthens your family bond, creatives a sense of responsibility in children, teaches tolerance by exposing kids to diversity and most importantly, it is FUN!

The holidays are right around the corner and there are many people in our community who would be grateful for your help this season. Check out the list of volunteer opportunities to find out how to get involved:

The 23rd Annual Basket of Joy

Your entire family can bring holiday to senior citizens by delivering fruit and chocolate baskets and homemade cards. The event is on Saturday, December 10th; 9-11 a.m. and baskets will be picked up from the Denver Mattress Factory Warehouse. Volunteers will be assigned a route (first come, first served) in a neighborhood in the Metro Denver area. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up online or go to their Web site, www.voacolorado.org.

Deliver Thanksgiving Day Meals on Wheels

Thursday, November 24th between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Various locations across Denver)

100 volunteers are needed to assist the MOW program by delivering a hot nutritious meal to a homebound senior on Thanksgiving Day. Individuals, groups or families are welcome. This usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Contact Bradley Gulley at 303-297-0408 X 13113 to volunteer.

Adopt-a-Family Project

Working with Volunteers of America’s Transitional Living Program, Transformational Housing and Head Start Program, individuals or groups are needed to “adopt-a-family” for the holidays by supplying the family with holiday gifts. Note: There will be no direct client contact due to confidentiality. A profile of the family is provided for gift selections. Please Contact: The Holiday Coordinator at 303-297-0408 or holiday@voacolorado.org

Book Wrapping Party

When: The first 2 weeks in December

Volunteers are needed to help wrap over 300 books! These Scholastic Books will be given as presents over the holiday season to low-income families, children and teens. Individuals, groups or families are welcome. Contact Rachel Dolgin at 303-297-0408 ext: 13310 to volunteer.

Christmas Adopt a Family – Gift drop off and pick up

Adopt a Family Donors will drop off gifts on Thursday, December 15 from 7 a.m. – noon and Friday, December 16 from 1-6 p.m. at the Volunteers of America Mission located at 2877 Lawrence Street. Volunteers are needed to assist in collection, tagging and organizing gifts on both days. Please contact: Erika Nelson-Conrad at 303-297-0408 ext: 13309 to volunteer.

Adopt a Family Recipients will pick up the gifts on Tuesday, December 20 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Wednesday, December 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Volunteers of America Mission located at 2877 Lawrence Street. Volunteers are needed to assist in greeting and processing the recipients, and distributing the gifts. Please contact: Erika Nelson-Conrad at 303-297-0408 ext: 13309 to volunteer.

Deliver Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Meals on Wheels

Saturday, December 24 or Sunday, December 25 between 9:00am – Noon (Various locations across Denver)

100 volunteers are needed to assist the Meals on Wheels program by delivering a hot nutritious meal to a homebound individual on Christmas. Individuals, groups or families are welcome. This usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Contact Bradley Gulley at 303-297-0408 X 13113 to volunteer.

Service-Learning At Home

Can’t make it to this month’s Family Volunteer Project but would still like to help out? There are plenty of things you can do on your own time to support others. Here is this month’s project idea:

Winter Wear Share

This winter your family can keep families and children in your community warm by sharing (actually giving away!) winter wear that is in great condition but just doesn’t fit your family any more. New and gently used winter coats, fleeces, winter boots, hats and mittens are always in demand. New items, especially hats and mittens are always appreciated. Donated items can be dropped off at The VOA Misson at 2877 Lawrence Street, Denver, to benefit low-income and homeless individuals and families.

New or gently used materials needed:
Coats
Jackets
Fleeces
Sweaters
Boots
Scarves
Hats
Mittens

Steps Involved:
*Connect with an agency (like The Volunteers of America Misson) that can use your winter wear, such as homeless shelters, low-income pediatric clinics, youth shelters, transition homes, and women’s and children’s shelters.

*Ask the agency what it will accept. Will they take gently used coats, boots, fleeces, sweaters, hats and mittens? Are there certain items that must be new?

*Search your closets. Wash all items. Do not give coats or any other items with broken zippers, rips or stains.

*Think about doing a neighborhood drive or teaming up with family friends to collect items. Your family can make flyers (list the receiving agency) and designate a pick up date. List the items that you need and that all must be clean and in great condition. No rips, stains or broken zippers. You can attach the flyer to a large plastic bag. Neighbors can deliver the items to you or if appropriate, you can ask them to leave the items wrapped securely in a plastic bag and labeled “Winter Wear Share” outside their door.

*Deliver your items to the agency.