Teaching Kids about Volunteering

It is never too early to teach kids that they can help people in need in their communities. Back in March, right before the pandemic social-distancing rules were implemented, a few Buzz families including the Davis, Grandy, Hogan, Durham, Cavanaugh families gathered at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church to help make meals for homeless men and women. The event was sponsored through local non-profit organization Little Lights Houston, where young children can sign up for volunteer opportunities. For the event, Little Lights partnered with SoupMobil, which helps prepare meals for homeless men and women. The kids and their parents worked to make dozens of meals.

Leading up to Covid-19, Little Lights volunteers have gathered every month at MDUMC to prepare and pack 100 sack lunches of a ham and cheese sandwich, water and a few snacks. Now, only screened church staff members are preparing the sack lunches, so they are made in the safest environment possible. The plans to resume in-person volunteer events will be updated as they come in.

“Little Lights gives young children an opportunity to see that even though their hands are small they can make a big impact,” said Little Lights president and mom-of-three Ashleigh Davis. 

There are ways kids can help out this summer despite the pandemic. Little Lights will be starting a pen pal program with The Treemont Retirement Community. “One of the sweetest things my girls and I have done during this pandemic is make cards for the seniors at Treemont,” said Davis. “Any person who is home bound would love a sweet note. It really brings them such joy.”

There will be more opportunities to help announced in the monthly newsletter. To sign up to receive the monthly newsletter or to volunteer, contact Ashleigh Davis at [email protected] or see littlelightshouston.org.  

Editor's note: Find more ideas of community service projects families can complete from home here.