Do you want to have a positive impact on your community while instilling good values in your children?

Volunteer. Volunteering as a family introduces children how to give back … and it’s fun!

The USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network helps you find service projects in your area. You can also contact local volunteer centers, libraries, churches, community and senior centers, police and fire stations, and park services.

Here are some terrific volunteer ideas for your family:

• Join a Habitat for Humanity build. Your family can help another family’s home ownership dream come true.
• Even more exciting for kids is KaBOOM! Your family can take part in a one-day playground build that will serve local children for years to come.
• Participate in a reading program - you and your children can read books to seniors and younger children. Visit the National Endowment for the Humanities We the People Bookshelf for reading suggestions.
• Collect food for your local food bank. Through your church, scouts, or on your own, your family can help keep the shelves well-stocked.

Volunteering as a family will bring you closer together. The opportunities are endless, and you’ll be surprised by what you can do to help your community.

Read more:

• Selecting volunteer projects for your child
• Teaching charity to our children

Hand-me-downs have never been so hot! As of April 29th, Johnson Baby has begun auctioning off the gently-used goods of celebrity parents and their children on ebay. The proceeds are going to raise money for charity. The following are just 3 of the celebrities who have offered up some of their favorite things (and who were showcased in People magazine):

1. Matt Damon-A b-kaed messenger-style tote that fits all your newborn’s needs
2. MariskaHargitay-Her son August’s barely-used Adidas running shoes with black and blue stripes
3. Elisabeth Hasselbeck-The Chicco Cortina Travel System she swears by