Performing acts of kindness in their communities can help kids feel like they truly belong in their neighborhoods. It's never too early for kids to learn about the civic duty they have to their communities. Kids can practice helpfulness and generosity by taking part in community service activities. Here are four community service activities that are appropriate for children:

1. Feeding The Needy

Many kids will never know what it's like to go hungry. Unfortunately, too many people in communities across the United States don't have that privilege. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank can allow kids to participate in feeding the needy. Homeless people and impoverished people take advantage of these services to receive the nourishment they need. Young kids can help by passing out napkins and plates, while older kids can get involved in the actual cooking and serving process.

2. Performing Community Clean-Up

Beautiful, clean neighborhoods and parks are pleasant places to be. Clean neighborhoods are less likely to experience vandalism and break-ins than neighborhoods that look run-down and abandoned. Kids can help beautify their communities by signing up for community clean-up days. On these days, kids can join a group of people who will pick up trash wherever they find it. Picking up litter is a small way that kids can help protect the environment and make their neighborhoods safer.

3. Canvassing For Change

Democracy is a wonderful tool for making positive changes in the world. Kids can get involved in the democratic process from a young age, even when they're too young to vote. Canvassing allows volunteers to spread awareness for various causes. It can allow people to collect phone numbers and email addresses for nonprofits and political campaigns alike. Kids can participate in the canvassing process when they're accompanied by an adult. Canvassing will allow kids to feel like they're making an important difference while they learn a little more about how the political process works.

4. Collecting School Supplies

Sometimes, the people who need help are other children. Some kids don't have the school supplies they need to succeed in school. Kids can help by organizing school supply drives in their neighborhoods. By collecting school supplies from parents and neighbors, kids can help impoverished children get the tools they need to attend school without additional worries. Adults can help kids collect and redistribute school supplies, and school officials can help as well.

Contact a child-based community service organization to learn more.

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