January can be one of the most depressing months for anyone – maybe even more so for parents. The whirlwind of holiday sweets turns into grumpy sugar withdrawals. Excited faces on Christmas Day transform into scowls during post-holiday squabbles. Shiny, once coveted toys are tossed haphazardly in a corner. I see all these things and wonder if the only gift I succeeded in giving my family during the Christmas season was a growing sense of greed and entitlement.
Which is why January is the perfect time to start giving the gift of service. Not only does volunteering help everyone step outside their small world of self, but it can also actually be good for us. Serving your community can open eyes – at any age – to see the need in our own neighborhood and give us a sense of confidence that we can be a part of a positive change.
In fact, if we want our children to be their best selves, we can raise them with this advice:
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
And what better way to serve others (in January AND all year long) than to serve the neighbors we often overlook in our own community?
To get you started, here are some great organizations where your family can volunteer in the Dayton area:
Miami County Parks has service opportunities that range anywhere from large outdoor projects to helping produce maple syrup and collecting acorns for planting at parks.
Age group: All ages.
Five River MetroParks also has a variety of opportunities based on age and interest. Their website details each opportunity and is very user-friendly explore the right fit for your family.
Age group: All ages
Bogg Ministries provides food in the Dayton area via Mobile Meals. Volunteers can distribute groceries, help with crowd control, serve a hot meal, etc. Young children can help or even play with the younger guests receiving services.
Age group: All ages
Angels for Anna has been profiled previously in our Heart of DMB. They host special events where people of all ages can paint wind chimes and gather care package items for children’s hospitals to give to parents.
Age group: All ages
St. Vincent DePaul has several programs available for children to serve in the Dayton area, including working in the dining rooms, participating in Hearts and Hands Kids Days, and helping in the Urban Farm.
Age Group: no minimum age is listed; however, opportunities seem geared towards Kindergarten – Adult age groups.
SICSA offers several programs for children to participate including Paw Partners and the VolunTeen Program
Age group: 8-12 (Paw Partners)/13-17 (VolunTeen Program)
Humane Society of Greater Dayton needs volunteers for the socialization and caring of animals, baking treats for the dog market, pet therapy, special events, etc.
Age group: 10 years or older
Target Dayton asks for volunteers who are willing to help with food preparations and serving meals to those who come in for services. Groups or individuals can sign up to serve.
Age group: 12 years or older
Just a Little Lunch is an organization that organizes and delivers packed lunches. Visit their website for more information on dates to help pack lunches, make deliveries, etc.
Age group: Age not specified
Shoes 4 the Shoeless, (also selected by a team member to be featured in our Heart of DMB series), provides shoes for local children in need. Volunteers can help with packing, sorting, delivering, special events, etc. Kids are definitely welcome; however, contact the website for specific dates and events in which they can volunteer.
Age group: Age not specified
What ways are you going to help your family serve the community this year?
Let us know your favorite local organization if it’s not on this list!
