Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. This is a lesson we especially want to teach our kids this year with all that is going on in the world! Even though there’s not as many in-person volunteering opportunities right now, kids can still give back to their community through volunteering projects they can do at home or socially distanced.
Here’s a few ideas for Des Moines kids to engage in volunteer service in honor of the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service:
1. Pick up litter at a park.
This is twice as cool if it’s a park you visit regularly. That way, kids can give back to a place that gives them so much!
2. Put together a book drive for a local reading program, children’s shelter, children’s hospital, or little free library.
Sharing a love of reading is a great way for your kids to give back to other kids in your community. Organizations like Everybody Wins! Iowa, YSS, and Blank Children’s Hospital all accept NEW and gently used books. Places like churches, day care centers and little free libraries are also usually in need of gently used books.
3. Write thank you notes to community heroes.
Have your kids write a letter to a first responder, teacher or other community leaders. It’s always a nice way to recognize the hard work and job they do for everyone. Especially this year!
4. Plant trees or wildflowers.
Contact your local parks and recreation department or county conservation office (Polk, Dallas, Warren) to inquire if they need any assistance with planting trees or wildflowers. 9 times out of 10 they are.
5. Write holiday cards, birthday cards, and send notes to senior centers, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
It’s been a lonely year for many of our elders. Reach out to your local senior center or nursing home to see if they have any residents who might want a pen pal or if they accept holiday or birthday cards to give out. This project will get your kids practicing their handwriting and spread a little cheer at the same time! 
6. Collect old eyeglasses and donate them to an organization that recycles them.
You can help make sure people who really need glasses can afford them. The South Des Moines Lions Clubs has a list of their drop off locations over on their website.
7. Write letters to servicemen and women thanking them for their service.
You’ll brighten their days and show your gratitude. Organizations like A Million Thanks has helped kids send more than 7.6 million letters! They tell you exactly where to send the notes, provide drop-off locations and have suggestions about what to write if kids are stumped.
8. Collect nonperishable food items and make some no sew t-shirt bags.
Food pantries, like Bidwell Riverside Center always need non-perishable food donations. Have your kiddos look through the cupboards and pull-out canned goods, cereal and other items. Then have your kids make some reusable no sew t-shirt bags that the organization will use to hand out food in.
9. Send some love to your local animal shelter.
If you’re an animal lover with the time and space to spare, you can look into fostering a new furry friend. But even if you’re not able to take that on, you can still find ways to help your local animal shelter. Collect items like old towels, blankets and unopened pet food to donate. The kitties and pups will thank you!
10. Host a (virtual) give-back birthday party or play date.
Organize a virtual birthday party or play date and have each guest drop off or bring something you can donate to a local non-profit. You can also ask guests to purchase items off of your favorite non-profit’s wish list. Your kids will feel good knowing that they made a difference.
11. Create blessing bags.
Fill individual bags with items such as toiletries, snacks, new socks, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, a bottle of water, and many other things and have the kiddos draw cards to go inside. Families can then distribute the bags on their own to homeless individuals or donate them to a local shelter.
What other great community service projects has your family participated in? Share in the comments below!
