Resources

Many people ask how their families with young children can get involved in volunteering. We've listed some resources here to help you learn more about this. 

Doing Good Together is a national organization that empowers families to raise caring, engaged children by offering unique programs and events, valuable services, and fun activities that promote kindness and giving. They have a monthly, Boston-specific email newsletter you can sign up for, which provides information on volunteer events happening in and around greater Boston, suitable for families with young children. 

Boston Cares is how many families first start getting involved in volunteering together. You attend a virtual orientation session, and after that, you have access to a calendar of volunteer events, with some catered towards families and children, age 12 or older.  Boston Cares is the largest volunteer agency in New England, a member of the Points of Light Global Network, and an award-winning leader in the volunteer engagement sector. Filling more than 20,000 volunteer spots annually in support of more than 150 Greater Boston schools and non-profit agencies, Boston Cares offers a wide array of programs and opportunities that make it simple for you to volunteer no matter how busy your schedule. Boston Cares believes volunteers transform communities through service and civic engagement. 

Cradles to Crayons provides everyday essentials for children and families in Massachusetts who face the challenge of clothing insecurity. Cradles offers volunteer opportunities for families with kids as young as 5, at home or in the Giving Factory, located in Newtonville, MA. Families can do both at home volunteering, where you create an outfit pack of clothing (shirts, sweaters, pants, etc) and book packs, using your own donated clothing (in great shape) or your own books that still look like new. You then drop these packs off at Cradles in their storage unit outside the Giving Factory in Newtonville. You can also request a volunteer shift at the Giving Factory via the website. 

Families also enjoy preparing meals at home and then delivering them to On the Rise and Friday Cafe, both in Cambridge, MA. On the Rise creates a community where women and transgender/nonbinary people have the relationships, safety, and resources they need to move out of homelessness. The Friday Cafe is a weekly daytime drop-in program, offers a welcoming space where homeless and housed adults can gather and get to know each other. Older kids can get involved in food prep and cooking, while younger children can create well wish cards for clients of these organizations, which can be delivered with the food. 

Some organizations have opportunities for children as young as 10 years old, but often around 14 years old, to volunteer by themselves, with parental or guardian permission.

Kids Backing Kids is dedicated to improving the lives of children experiencing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and trauma by providing material goods, raising community awareness, and training the next generation of community leaders. KBK is looking for volunteers in 5th grade and up to help with backpack stuffing prior to the school year starting, diaper drives held throughout the year, wrapping holiday presents in December, and more. 

Any young person can organize a food pantry drive in their community. The Wellesley Food Pantry provides a list of current needs on their website. The Newton Food Pantry has Saturday morning volunteer sessions to create kids' snack bags. A Place to Turn in Natick is always looking for food and diaper donations, and also volunteers. 

Family Promise Metrowest offers a continuum of programs to support families facing housing insecurity. Volunteers can sign up for an orientation session and after that, can select where they volunteer. During COVID-19 some of the volunteer opportunities are limited.