Blessing bag assembly line being overseen by volunteers from VolksWagen
The 25th annual Family Volunteer Day, sponsored by GenerationOn and Disney Friends for Change, will be held Saturday, Nov. 21, from noon-4 p.m., in Hamilton Place Mall at the Center Stage area. United Way's Volunteer Center and agencies from the Chattanooga region invite the public to participate in family and kid-friendly volunteer projects. There is no charge for the event, and everyone is welcome to stop by and volunteer.
Activities will include Holiday Mail for Heroes, blessing bags for the homeless, making toys for shelter animals, and more.
"This special day is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving to 'kick off' the holiday season with giving and service.
It showcases the benefits of family volunteering and provides opportunities for families to work together to help communities create supportive environments for their children," officials said. "On Nov. 21, bring your family to the Center stage court on the lower level where there will be several projects available that kids and their parents can make together. These activities are simple to do but can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."
Some projects children will be able to make for others are:
· Holiday Mail for Heroes - Create and send holiday cards to send to veterans and service members; a big mailbox will be onsite so that kids can stick the cards in the mailbox once they are ready to mail.
· Happy Tails for Shelter Animals - Make toys and Adopt Me bandannas for animals in the Chattanooga city and Hamilton County animal shelters to ensure they are happy and handsome while they wait to find their forever families.
· Blessing Bags for the Homeless - Pack bags with items such as socks, gloves, and toiletries for Metropolitan Ministries to give to their clients in need.
· Foster Friendship - Make friendship bracelets for kids in foster care with the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.
· Encouragement Packages - Make encouragement packages for people working on obtaining their GED through Northside Neighborhood House.
"Family Volunteering has so many benefits. Given today’s hectic schedules, it’s a great way for families to spend time together while getting out into the community and meeting new people. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids, because volunteering is ripe with 'teachable' moments. Families can also share information and knowledge while volunteering, and it’s a good way to fill those scholastic 'community hours' obligations. And it’s a perfect opportunity for kids to start developing leadership skills," organizers said.
For more information about Family Volunteer Day and how your family can be involved, call the Volunteer Center at 423-752-0316 or visit
www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org.