How to Introduce Your Children to Volunteer Opportunities and Giving Back

April is National Volunteer Month, making it a great time to introduce your children to volunteer opportunities and ways to give back. Volunteering is a way to connect with your community and teach preschoolers and children of all ages about kindness and helping others. Even young kids can learn important lessons about gratitude, teamwork, and caring for those in need. Simple activities like collecting food items to donate or cleaning up a park can help kids understand the value of giving back. Plus, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.

Denver Preschool Program (DPP) has gathered a few easy ways to introduce your preschooler to the rewarding experience of volunteering.

Give Back to the Earth with a Community Clean-Up

Help clean up your community by picking up litter or recycling! With Earth Day coming up on April 22, it’s the perfect time to teach your preschooler about caring for the environment while enjoying the outdoors. Grab a trash bag and some gloves, then head to your favorite park, trail, or neighborhood spot to collect garbage. This simple activity helps keep parks and waterways clean and shows kids that even small actions can make a big difference. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together while giving back to nature.

Spring Closet Clean-Out

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to teach your child about generosity while tidying up! Encourage your little one to go through their toys, books, and clothes, setting aside items they no longer use, which can then be donated. As you sort together, talk about how some children have fewer clothes or toys and how their donation can bring joy to someone else. This simple activity helps kids learn about kindness and gratitude while making space for new memories. It also welcomes the new season with a fresh and giving heart.

Get Creative While Giving Back

Encourage your child’s creativity while making a difference in your community! Decorate paper lunch bags for Meals on Wheels or other home-delivered meal programs that serve elderly residents in Denver. A colorful, hand-drawn design can brighten someone’s day and make their meal feel special. Another fun way to combine art and giving is by creating a custom donation box at home. Your child can decorate a box with drawings, stickers, or messages of kindness, then help fill it with non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank. This hands-on activity allows kids to express themselves artistically while learning about generosity and helping families in need.

Lead by Example: Show Your Preschooler the Joy of Giving

One of the best ways to teach your child about giving back is by modeling kindness in your everyday life. Talk to them about local organizations that help others and share how it feels to make a difference. Even small actions, like holding the door open, letting someone go ahead in line, or helping a neighbor, can show your child that acts of kindness, big or small, make the world a better place.