Teach Compassion and Caring at Family Volunteer Day

Kids are parrots in human form. They mimic everything we as parents say and do – and while we try to be good role models, sometimes we can rub off on our kids in the wrong way.

We can redeem ourselves for all those times they impersonate us at our worst (by blurting out a curse word at the worst possible time as we cringe, for example) by demonstrating to them how rewarding it is to help others. On November 19, join thousands of other families across the country for Family Volunteer Day, your chance to make a difference for those in need and to show your kids that they have the power to change the world!

How one local organization is embracing the day

For the past five years, St. Louis’ VolunTEEN Nation has united kids and parents through their annual Family Volunteer Day events. From building garden beds to knitting hats and scarves for homeless shelters, the efforts of each participant has been felt throughout the region.

This year, the volunteer-run, youth-led organization invites the community to join them at the Mid- County YMCA, 1900 Urban Drive in Brentwood, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to create gift bags that will be distributed through the USO.

For Sophie Bernstein, President of VolunTEEN, whose dad and sister are in the military, the USO truly hits close to home. “We appreciate all the USO’s do for our military personnel and their families, and we have experienced the generosity and warmth of their volunteers first-hand.”

During the event, kids and parents alike can make cards to thank and congratulate enlisted personnel on their graduation from training, stuff activity bags for children of military families who visit the USO during the holidays, and create snack packs for service members to be given out by USO mobile services. Participation is free, but families are encouraged to register online prior to the event.

After so many years of taking part in this nationwide initiative, Bernstein knows the impact volunteering can have on the family as a whole.

“There’s a glue that binds families together when they participate in volunteer activities that strengthen the community,” she said. “It’s wonderful to watch parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and children all committed to a volunteer project together. Helping out at a soup kitchen, planting a garden or cleaning a park goes more smoothly with teamwork. Working as a team on a task reinforces a family’s ability to work as a team at home. When the whole family participates on a project, parents and children get to see and appreciate each other’s skills.”

A nationwide initiative

VolunTEEN Nation’s USO project is funded by a grant from the Walt Disney Company, which sponsors Family Volunteer Day. This nationwide day of service, presented by generationOn, an organization dedicated to providing programs and resources that support the development of caring, compassionate and capable kids, is celebrating 26 years of changing lives across the country.

Held every Saturday before Thanksgiving, the event strategically kicks off the holiday season of giving, and according to Sarah Fanslau, Senior Director of Campaigns & Days of Service, it’s a catalyst for getting families excited about giving back together and inspiring them to carry on the mission the rest of the year. And just as important, create a new generation of volunteers for the future.

“Volunteering at such a young age allows kids to collaborate, communicate and develop their critical thinking skills. When young people work together to solve an issue, they have to determine what the issue is, figure out how to address it, and think up a creative solution. They learn to partner with people who are different than they are and develop compassion and empathy for those outside their usual social circle. These are skills every kid needs to be successful in school and in life!”

Through the website, fvd.generationon.org, generationOn offers a variety of volunteer resources and tools, whether families want to construct a project at home or search by zip code for local service events. Besides the VolunTEEN Nation USO project, there are variety of opportunities in St. Louis, including landscaping The Joseph Center, a transitional facility for homeless veterans in East St. Louis, and beautifying monarch gardens in the city.

While volunteering is a reward in itself, families are encouraged to share their Family Volunteer Day experience on the website to win a $500 gift card or a family fun night, which includes dinner and a movie for four. Last year, more than 21,000 families nationwide submitted their stories to generationOn.

Fanslau noted it doesn’t take a lot of time to make a big difference, and the benefits are tremendous for both families and the communities they serve, especially since our busy lives mean there’s not a lot of time for families to connect and enjoy quality bonding time.

“Through volunteering, parents and grandparents serve as role models and can pass on those family values that align with those in the community. When different ages and generations connect, there’s a mix of energy, knowledge and experience that allows all family members to learn from one another, and in turn, makes a meaningful change in our communities.”