40 Ways for kids to give back to their community

Giving something back to the community is something we can all do, even kids. Volunteering and contributing can help families learn about their own community, as well as develop a respect and understanding for different people and lifestyles. Not to mention the shared sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in having helped someone in need.

Here are our top 40 ideas for how and where you child can give back to their community:

1. Pick up rubbish wherever you go.
2. Donate unwanted toys.
3. Help with yard work for elderly or unwell neighbours.
4. Volunteer at community events.
5. Help bake cookies to give to local service people and volunteers.
6. Plant a tree.
7. Make handmade cards for kids in hospital.
8. Participate in fundraisers and charity events.
9. Read to younger kids at your local library.
10. Donate handmade gifts to a charity for them to sell.
11. Give outgrown books to local medical centre, daycare or hospital.
12. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
13. Create bird feeders to attract wildlife.
14. Donate clothes and accessories that no longer fit.
15. Do something kind for a random community member.
16. Write a letter to a pen pal who could use a friend.
17. Play card or board games with residents at a nursing home.
18. Donate a portion of their pocket money to charity.
19. Organise a beach or park clean up with friends and family.
20. Start a school recycling or awareness program.
21. Hold a collection drive for the less fortunate.
22. Sell unwanted items and give the profits to a needy cause.
23. Write a message of thanks to a community hero.
24. Do household chores for a sick friend or neighbour.
25. Help raise money for a charity with a bake sale.
26. Spend time with sick kids in hospital or the elderly in nursing homes to bring some cheer.
27. Raise awareness about an issue in the community.
28. Assist in cooking a meal for a family in need.
29. Hold a give-back party where everyone brings an item to donate.
30. Sponsor a less fortunate child or animal.
31. Use manners, smile and say hello when out and about.
32. Hold a car wash to raise money for a charity or service.
33. Use the skills they have to make items to cheer up those in need, such as knitting scarves.
34. Participate in a fun run to raise money for the charity of their choice.
35. Set up a water dish for local wildlife in back yard.
36. Use reusable packaging for school lunches.
37. Make bookmarks to donate as gifts.
38. Become a mentor to a younger kid.
39. In lieu of birthday or Christmas gifts, ask for donations to chosen cause.
40. Offer to help tend gardens at community centre.

You may also be interested in ideas for volunteering with your family in Brisbane, which includes local organisations you can contact to volunteer or donate to. If you find yourself with excess nappies after your youngest has toilet trained, we have some great ideas for what to do with your leftover nappies.