Watch CBS News

Top Summer Volunteer Opportunities For Families In Denver

Food Bank of the Rockies. (credit: CBS)Volunteers sort food donations at Food Bank of the Rockies. (credit: CBS)
Many people associate volunteering with the holiday season, but doing so in the summer can also be a rewarding experience for the whole family. While the kids are off of school for the summer, you can use the opportunity to do something for the community, enjoying family time. Not all charity work is suitable for children, but there are many volunteer experiences in the Denver area that gladly accept youth volunteers. Check out the following organizations for volunteer events for the whole family.
Volunteers Of America
2660 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-0408
www.voacolorado.org

One of the most well known charities in the country, Volunteers of America's Colorado chapter has a variety of volunteer activities for people of all ages. Among these volunteer opportunities is the Youth Volunteer Program, which offers activities that are suitable for children ages 11-14. You and your child can assist with activities such as helping homebound seniors and assisting young children in Head Start schools, among others. To find out available volunteer events, contact Volunteers of America.

Metro Volunteers
789 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 282-1234
www.metrovolunteers.org

To educate your children about the rewards associated with volunteering, try some of the classes at Metro Volunteers. This organization is dedicated to encouraging people to give back to their community. It also serves as a resource to connect volunteers of all ages and experience levels to events and activities. Metro Volunteers advocates "volunteering smarter," and the organization can help you find volunteer activities that will be fun and rewarding for your family, inspiring your children and letting them have fun giving back.

Volunteers Outdoor Colorado
600 S. Marion Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 715-1010
www.voc.org

With so many outdoor activities at our fingertips, stewards for the outdoors have volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteers Outdoor Colorado offers a range of outdoor-related activities for volunteers of all ages. Activities include trail building, trail restoration, planting and more. VOC has a program specifically for youth, which is staggered by age, so younger kids and older kids can volunteer within their age and skill level. Many activities are available throughout the year, so check the website or sign up for the newsletter to find out more information.

Related: Top Spots to Volunteer With Your Kids In Denver

Food Bank Of The Rockies
10700 E. 45th Ave.
Denver, CO 80239
(303) 371-9250
www.foodbankrockies.org

An organization that gets more visible around the holidays, Food Bank of the Rockies helps to feed needy people all year. The organization has opportunities for volunteers ages 14+ in a variety of areas, including distribution, the kitchen, office work, reclamation and many more. Not all volunteer activities are suitable for all ages, so check in with the Food Bank before choosing your activity. The Food Bank of the Rockies also takes donations all year, so bring some non-perishable food items when you volunteer.

Habitat For Humanity Of Metro Denver
3245 Eliot St.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 534-2929
www.habitatmetrodenver.org

If you and your family are into building and remodeling, put your skills to use building homes for those in need. Habitat for Humanity offers volunteer activities for those ages 15+ on construction sites and in its stores. The organization offers affordable housing options to people who are getting back on their feet. You and your family can help make something special for a family in need while enjoying the day bonding with one another. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, contact the organization or check the website.

Related: Top Spots for Family Volunteering In Denver

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.