Keeping children active and mentally stimulated can play a significant role in their development and growth, especially during the summer months when school is not in session. Volunteering as a family is a great way to ensure your children stay engaged while teaching them the importance of giving back to the community. The Portland region and surrounding communities offer many family-friendly volunteer opportunities to keep your little ones busy this summer and develop their understanding of civic duty. If you are looking to help your community this summer, consider some of these children-friendly options:
Children’s Book Bank
The Children’s Book Bank in Portland provides donated books to youth in need throughout the community. Donate your books or consider applying to volunteer at their warehouse. Volunteer needs include wiping covers, taping torn pages, erasing scribbles, covering inscriptions, and reinforcing worn spines. Volunteering is open to children ages six and above. Learn more here.
Oregon Zoo
Do your kids love animals? Consider donating some of your time volunteering at the Oregon Zoo! The Oregon Zoo is in need of volunteers to support guest engagement, communicate conservation messages, and support the evolving needs of the zoo. Volunteering at the Oregon Zoo is open to children aged 10 years and above. Learn more here.
Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger throughout the state and make nutritious accessible to all residents. The Oregon Food Bank is looking for volunteers to assist with unpacking and sorting donated food at local food drives. Volunteering is open to children ages ten and above. Learn more here.
The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District
Become a park steward by helping plant native plants, clean litter, remove invasive species, and repair and maintain park trails with the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District. The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District has more than 140 volunteer positions available to help at more than a dozen park locations throughout the county. Volunteering is open to children with a guardian’s consent. Learn more here.
Meals on Wheels People
Deliver meals together as a family to help brighten the week of the vulnerable seniors in your community with “Meals on Wheels People.” Meals on Wheels People provides nutritious food and social support to seniors experiencing hunger or social isolation in Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties. Volunteer roles can vary from delivering meals to seniors at their homes to conducting welfare check-ups by phone. Learn more here.
Store to Door
Do your children enjoy scavenger hunts? Time to hit the grocery stores for a good cause! Store to Door is looking for volunteers to grocery shop for homebound seniors and disabled adults in the Portland community. Store to Door supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. Learn more here.
Traci Muldoon is a public relations and public affairs professional, U.S. Army Reserves soldier, and part-time volunteer for a kitten rescue. She currently works in a public affairs role overseeing media relations, content development, enhancing community partnerships and developing communication campaigns.
Traci holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a minor in English from California State University, Fullerton. She currently lives in Washington County with her significant other and their two cats and dog.