What kind of volunteer work to do with 4yo?

[atpeace]

Anyone have any ideas about how to get a 4-year-old involved in some sort of community volunteer work?  I'm looking for something age-appropriate and meaningful, but that doesn't take a huge time commitment.  What have some of you done with your kids?  My goals are: spending time with her, broadening her perspective (i.e. especially around the holidays when I want to communicate that "stuff" doesn't make us happy, helping other people can!), and engaging in a meaningful activity that can spark questions and conversation. 

(I used to do a ton of volunteer work in my youth, but since the kids and job and house became priorities, I sort of dropped out of that sphere and miss it!  Although my usual volunteer jobs wouldn't be good for bringing my 4yo to.  The only volunteer work I do now is at DD's school once per week).  

Any ideas?  

[a13xandra]

I'm big into volunteering, also, and when my daughter is ready, I want to involve her.  My local Campfire Kids community family clubs have adult volunteer days that I hope I can bring her to.  Also, when she's old enough, I want to pick a day of the week as "volunteer day" and do some from home, since most volunteer opportunities aren't young kid friendly.  As much as possible, I want to help her choose the volunteer activity by asking what she cares about.  For example, if she says "kitties," we might make blankets for homeless pets at the local shelter and deliver them together.  If she says "the park" we might do something environmentalist like reducing or reusing around the house with some projects, or just pick up litter at the local park. 

[BabyFireFly]

When I was that age my Mom used to take me to the local nursing home or senior center to spend time with the elderly. They really loved having kids around - and just sitting there and coloring or having them read to me brightened their day. I know that some kids have "fears" about interacting with the eldery, but I never did as a child....probably because I was used to being around them from an early age.

Also my Mom used to take me to play with the homeless pets at the local shelters. Most shelters request "play time" volunteers to come and just take a walk with a shelter dog or play with the kitties who otherwise would just hang out in their cages. I also remember going to some of the wild bird sanctuaries and helping to feed the birds - and going to "clean up" days in the community, as well as trail maintenance (where you basically just pick up fallen branches and litter as you take a hike.

[swede]

Things I've done with my kids are

deliver meals through meals on wheels.  Youc an commit to as little or as much as you want.

Cleaning up a forest preserve (picking up litter)

Setting up at the local homeless shelter - setting out the mattresses and blankets.  We usually bring one of the food items needed for that night, too (that we 've made together that day)/

I know of people who volunteer at the animal shelter, grooming animals, feeding them etc..

[Courtney-Ostaff]

Around here, the Salvation Army, to whom I do not normally donate, does Angel Trees with the local DHHR for foster kids, etc.  So, when I had a teenager in the house, I made her help me shop for the "angel" that we picked, wrap, and drop off.  We also have pets, and taking care of the pets is a good foundation.  I agree that joining an age-appropriate group to foster volunteerism is a good method. Locally, 4-H and Girl Scouts are popular.  

My daughter is three, and right now I think it goes hand-in-hand with practicing sharing and empathy.  For instance, we were at the ER tonight (long story), and she heard another child crying, and we talked about how that child was scared and in pain, just like she had been a few moments ago.

[imamomx2]

I was also thinking about this recently.  What do you guys think about four year olds helping in a food bank?  Perhaps sorting/stacking is a useful tool?  I'm not sure if my daughter would think that's fun, and may not see the direct help that it brings, but it seems fairly low key.  I have also thought about visiting a nursing home too, and wonder if she's too young to do this. 

I love this thread!  Hopefully more responses surface!

[TiredX2]

I think working at a food bank will be great, but you'll need to contact your local one.  Ours says you have to be 12, even with an adult.