10+ Perfect Atlanta Volunteer Opportunities For Kids And Their Families

Here is a great article from 365 Traveler if you are looking to give back and incorporate the family over this Holiday Season. (The original Post is here - from 365 Atlanta Traveller -Click on for the links in the article below)

Kids of all ages can make a difference in the community – locally and around the world. Performing service and volunteer projects for kids strengthens a family and teaches empathy.

Here is a ton of service project ideas for kids that can jump-start a new tradition in your family.  I encourage you to continue service after the holiday, too. February and March are slower times for many places that depend on volunteers.  Consider adding a regular volunteer opportunity to your New Year Resolution list, too.

Nicholas House – This awesome organization assists homeless families and helps them get back on their feet. Their Christmas program is filled now, but they are still looking for help in other ways.  For almost 30 years volunteers have cooked and served dinner to the families of Nicholas House.Your family can sign up to be part of the process…cook from scratch or order pizza. There are after school programs that need teachers and volunteers to watch the kiddos.  And if you don’t have the time then consider a donation of supplies…toothbrushes, sheets, socks, etc.

El Refugio – This is a hospitality house outside Stewart Detention Center. Its purpose is to serve the family and friends of men under immigration detention and, thus, separated from their loved ones. There are a number of ways to assist these families, including visitations, clothing, and food.

Project Linus – Do you know how to crochet or knit? Time to teach the kids! I learned to crochet from my Grandma, but I learned to knit from YouTube videos online.  Create a blanket together for an ill or traumatized child. Here is the blanket drop off locations in Georgia.  Don’t know what to make? Patterns are available online.

Meals by Grace – This Cumming-based organization makes meals for families in need with limited transportation.  Volunteers are needed for meal prep, delivery, and clean up. All “in kitchen” jobs must be performed by children 13 yrs and up, but on the first Saturday of each month, they have a special “Kids in the Kitchen” program for younger kiddos.

Trees Atlanta – It’s tree planting time! Saturdays from 9 am-noon, there are volunteer opportunities in multiple Greater Atlanta neighborhoods. Volunteers of any age are welcome, but kids under 18 need an adult with them who must sign a liability waiver. Too busy on Saturdays? Call about weekday needs, or consider a Holiday Tree Greeting.

Hands On Atlanta – HOA recently added volunteer programs for kids 5-12. Opportunities include service on the Atlanta Beltline and Urban Sprouts Farms community garden. Plugin the age of your kiddo and see what’s available.

Random Acts of Kindness – I love this blog for the simplicity of the suggestions.  Sometimes we just need a jumpstart to get the juices flowing.  Some ideas include adopting a highway, bring in your neighbor's trashcans, leave quarters at a laundromat (I know a family that hid dollar bills all over a Dollar Tree,) take someone to the movies, or pet sit for someone going on holiday vacation.

Volunteer Match – This program matches volunteers with organizations in need.  We found hundreds of opportunities for children and youth in Atlanta.  You’ll find ideas like Toys for Tots, Starry Night Atlanta, Christmas Food Baskets, and more.

PebbleTossers – This organization alerts youth to new opportunities each month.  Families can join fo free, and work with other families on select-service projects around the city.

Big Hearted Families – This collection of resources to “help big families grow big hearts.” Join the community, prepare the family, and pick a project.  There are also great articles here about the value of volunteering, teaching kindness, and telling your story.

FurKids – Meet Georgia’s largest cage-free, no-kill animal shelter! There are several locations where you can adopt or donate. Special about FurKids is its youth volunteer program. There are needs for Santa Helpers, Fosters, Caretakers, and more. Be sure to keep an eye on their special events.

I would add Our House to this list as well - this one is close to our hearts are Ellen was on the Board of Directors for 6 years and I have supported them with each closing I have.