Brunswick Crossing is surrounded by many ways to volunteer. If you have the time, there are plenty of rewarding opportunities from Habitat for Humanities, the BIG Sweep event, nursing homes, schools, the list goes on. Join in for some heart warming experiences either by yourself or bring the whole family.
Volunteering as a family is something we can all do to help teach our children about thinking beyond their own concerns. It is a hands-on way to teach children the values of kindness, compassion, tolerance, community responsibility, and good citizenship.
When volunteering as a family, all family members can use their existing talents, learn new skills, and feel valued for their contributions. You will also gain quality family time, strengthen bonds by sharing in a volunteer experience, and give your family members an opportunity to lead. And, of course it’s fun! Whether there are two of you or you have a big extended family, if you combine efforts to help others—that’s volunteering!
There are countless ways your family can volunteer in the local community. Around the holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc., consider making cards for residents of a local nursing home. Spend a morning delivering your handmade creations and take the time to chat with each of the residents.
Does your family like to read together? Share your love for reading with those less fortunate.? Gather up all the books that your family has outgrown or no longer reads, make a few decorative bookmarks and donate them to a homeless shelter for families.
Want to help animals in need? Contact the Frederick County Animal Control office or any other pet rescue and ask what type of supplies they need. Ask your friends and family members if they are willing to donate items for your chosen pet rescue organization and then as a family, sort your donations and take them to the shelter. During the winter months it is important to consider our local wildlife. A very fun, yet easy to-do project is for the birds! Gather up some pine cones from your yard or a nearby park, spread peanut butter on the, and roll them in bird seed. Hang them from a tree in your yard and watch the birds enjoy their feast.
Have your family organize a clean sweep trash gathering in your neighborhood. Great for high school community projects, girl and boy scouts, and a wonderful way to get everyone involved in keeping the planet clean.
