Need volunteering ideas..

[yuletide]

for my 3 boys ages 7, 9, & 11. Sometimes they get caught up in the gimmes. You know, I want this and this. So, this year - we are going to somehow involve them in something that would help to combat that. I had tried with the salvation army with no luck last year. Now, I want to try something that all can do. We are open to any/all ideas that you smart Christmas people/elves have.
Yule

[Annette1990]

My daughter went through this gimme gimme stage as well. And I would work my butt off to get her what I thought she really really wanted. Needless to say after playing with a certain toy etc.. she lost interest quickly. So now I chose her gimme, wants, gifts more wisely. I also have her help me go through all her toys and take them to the local thrift store. I would suggest having them help out at a local shelter of some sort where there are women and children who have nothing. Or even a local children's hospital to give to other children throughout the year or Holiday season. I think if they witness with their own eyes the less fortunate maybe this will help. I am not sure where you live but here are some websites for kids volunteering.
Kids for Community - http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/ (http://www.kidsforcommunity.org/)
Family Volunteering - http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/learn/family.jsp (http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/learn/family.jsp)
Volunteer Match – http://www.volunteermatch.org (http://www.volunteermatch.org/)
SERVEnet - http://www.servenet.org/ (http://www.servenet.org/)
Service Leader - http://www.serviceleader.org/new/virtual/index.php (http://www.serviceleader.org/new/virtual/index.php)
Do It - http://www.do-it.org.uk/youthnet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=445 (http://www.do-it.org.uk/youthnet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=445)
Worldwide Volunteering - http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/ (http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/)
Online Volunteering - http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/ (http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/)
Also here is a great article you may like to read....
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/holidays_materialistic.html

[Sunshine73]

Local nursing homes are a great place to start. I volunteered for years at a local nursing home when I was younger. The nursing home would set me up with one or two residents who didn't have relatives or anyone nearby and sometimes I would read to them, sometimes we would play games and a lot of times we would just visit with one another or maybe go for a short walk in the garden.

I don't know if they're into animals at all but the humane society is often looking for volunteers as well. Kids are often encouraged to help with the animals (cleaning, feeding, walking and yes, even playing with them).

Churches are another great resource. The church where I work has a food pantry and we have a couple of kids who come in and help out during the summer (and one homeschooler who helps out year round).

[yuletide]

are on the ball! I will definately do that which was suggested. I am so busy - but this is important and I will follow through.

God Bless,
Yule

[qltmrkt]

How about making Christmas cookies and taking them to the local nursing home? That's really something you can do any time of year. Sometimes people forget that non-profit groups get slammed with stuff between Thanksgiving and Christmas but after the holidays (or long before) they are forgotten. Maybe something good to do while they are on summer break. Just a thought.

[yuletide]

That would kill 2 birds with one stone - not only would they be helping others - they would be keeping busy too!

Thanks so much -
We will be doing that this week for sure!
Yule

[SparkleNana]

How about making cookies for neighbors? It's a good thing - to build happy relationships in your own neighborhood. Of course - I have had cookies delivered by beloved neighborhood children which were very ugly to look at and also were horrible to taste! I do think a LOT of parental involvement is necessary to make the cookies REALLY a treat!

[Sweet_Pea1992]

Yule.....There are many great ideas here, and all worthwhile!! I volunteer at the nursing home here in town, and it's the best medicine. I have started making little crafts, for the residents there for Christmas. I am making little things to tuck into a coffee mug. I do something that will fit men and women both. I think all children go through the gimmee stage. Hopefully, you will get them involved in something that will open their eyes, as to how well they really have things.

Another option is seeing if there is a 'Soup Kitchen' in your area. There's a real eye opener!!

Good Luck and God Bless!!