Simplay3 Blog

Each year, at each holiday, families celebrate by engaging in traditions that have been passed down or by starting new ones. This week we're thinking about new traditions that we can begin to encourage kids and grown ups to be kind and that pay it forward. For many, this means giving your time.

Get Involved

Getting involved in the community you live in not only is a great way to connect and learn more about where you live but it also has a tremendous effect on the people you touch. Here are our top ideas on how we can all be in the coming year.

1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. These organizations that look to provide a warm meal for those in need, need help year round. Contact your local soup kitchen and see when they need additional hands

2. Visit a nursing home. This is a great way to learn from members of our community. Set up time one weekend a month to go and visit, ask questions, learn about what things use to be like. It's a wonderful way to bring joy to someone's day and to learn about the past. 

3. Write letters to active service men and women. Organizations like Operation Gratitude or Soldiers' Angels are a great place to start.

4. Volunteer at an animal shelter. There are many shelters around the country that would love your help in caring for these animals. 

5. Give your time to local parks.Our parks are a great resource that need all kinds of help, our time is well spent picking up discarded trash, clearing pathways, organizing kids programs and other great opportunities to better our experience with nature. 

6. Volunteer for a mentor program for kids. Organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Girls on the Run are a great place to start but look to your community to see what opportunities there are to help guide kids.

How does your family give back?