Family and Volunteering – Get Involved on November 21!

It's easy to feel disconnected, as parents juggle work, school, kids, and numerous activities. But some simple things can bring a family closer — playing a game, going for a hike, or cooking a meal together.

One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service projects. Volunteerism also sets a good example for your kids and helps the Cedar Valley.

So why should your family lend a helping hand?

It feels good. The joy and pride that come from helping others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless.

It strengthens your community. Organizations and agencies that use volunteers are providing important services at no cost to those who need them. When the Cedar Valley is doing well as a whole, its citizens are better off, too.

It can strengthen your family. Volunteerism is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. Many people say they don't have the time to volunteer. Try reconsidering some of your free time as a family. You could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition.

What Kids Can Learn From Volunteering

If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of kids' lives — something they might just expect and want to do.

It can teach them:

A sense of responsibility.
That one person can make a difference.
The benefit of sacrifice.
Tolerance.
Job skills. How to fill idle time wisely.

Take Action! Family Volunteer Day!

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will celebrate the power of families on Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at 220 East 4^th Street, Waterloo.

Teach your children the importance of service and nurture the desire to give back to the community.

Families will have an opportunity to put together literacy kits for our community’s most recent residents, make warm fleece scarves for residents of shelters, craft seasonal decorations for nursing homes, make cat toys for the Cedar Bend Humane Society, construct bird feeders, and make place mats for meals on wheels recipients. Representatives from some community agencies will have displays featuring family friendly volunteering opportunities.

Join us for Family Volunteer Day of Service!

For more information on volunteering contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at (319) 272-2087, information@vccv.org, or visit www.vccv.org.