Volunteering as a family this summer is an excellent way to instill a sense of social responsibility and charitable values in children and teens. Here are five family-friendly volunteer opportunities available at Arizona nonprofits.
Arizona’s Children Association
Website: https://www.arizonaschildren.org/
Blurb: Arizona’s Children Association is one of the oldest and largest statewide child welfare and behavioral health nonprofits in Arizona, serving children and families across all 15 counties and offers amazing volunteer opportunities this summer. Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are invited to support children by organizing volunteer drives that collect much-needed new items. These drives can focus on essentials like hygiene products, school supplies, household necessities, safety gear, therapeutic games, gift cards, toys, books, and more. Hosting a drive is a meaningful way to bring your community together in support of children in foster care or those working toward family reunification. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Jim Van Wicklin at 602.856.8944 or jvanwicklin@arizonaschildren.org.
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The Foster Alliance
Website: https://thefosteralliance.org/
The Foster Alliance offers a heartwarming way for families to give back. Whether you’re decorating birthday cards, sorting clothing donations, or assembling care kits, their volunteer opportunities are designed to be inclusive and impactful. With both on-site and remote options available, families can choose how they want to serve children in foster care across Arizona. Families will have the chance to build a community and create lasting memories all while supporting a mission that brings hope and essentials to kids who need it most The Foster Alliance delivers essential resources to the foster community. They provide brand news beds, cribs, shoes, clothing diapers, and more! This is the perfect nonprofit to teach your child about giving back.
Tempe Community Action Agency
Website: https://tempeaction.org/
Blurb: Tempe Community Action Agency is an East Valley-based nonprofit meeting the needs of vulnerable community members in south Scottsdale and Tempe. The nonprofit operates a nightly shelter in partnership with faith community partners serving the unhoused community. TCAA is seeking volunteers this summer to provide and serve meals to unhoused program participants enrolled in the I-HELP shelter model. Meal providers plan, cook and serve meals to 40 program participants, and are encouraged to sit and enjoy the dinner together alongside TCAA staff and clients. This shared experience of serving and then enjoying a meal made with love is not just about nourishment; it’s about offering warmth and support as our guests work towards a brighter future. Find out more about how your family can become an I-HELP volunteer this summer by visiting https://tempeaction.org/ihelp-volunteers.html.
United Food Bank
Website: www.unitedfoodbank.org/
Since 1983, United Food Bank has been dedicated to providing hunger relief to people in the East Valley and eastern Arizona. As a member of Feeding America, the local food bank collects, acquires, stores, and distributes food to communities in five counties, serving over 2.5 million Arizonans annually. These efforts results in the distribution of more than 22.7 million pounds of food each year, equating to an average of 52,000 meals a day. To help provide food for Arizona families facing hunger, United Food Bank relies on volunteers to assist with boxing and storing food. Volunteers, as young as five years old, can help build food bags, sort and box food donations, and serve families at its food distributions. To learn more about United Food Bank and how you can start your volunteer journey today, visit www.unitedfoodbank.org/.
Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)
Website: https://aawl.orgThis summer, families can make a big impact on the lives of vulnerable animals—right from home. Parents and kids can help by gathering much-needed donations like pet food, toys, and cleaning supplies. With kitten season in full swing, AAWL urgently needs support to care for the influx of kittens. You can view their full wish list at aawl.org/wishlist. Another great way to help is by opening your home to foster a dog in need. It’s a meaningful way to support Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter while teaching kids compassion and responsibility. To learn more about getting involved, please visit AAWL.org
