Helping Out: Kids can start up neighborhood collection for agencies in need

It's easy for kids especially to forget that there are other kids and families out there in serious need. I always write about volunteer opportunities for kids during the holidays, but I thought I'd share some ideas for the summer months too. 

But one great way for kids to help out is by organizing a neighborhood collection for a specific agency. Kids can identify a need or agency, work together to collect items and drop it all off when it's over.

My older daughter's Y Princess tribe collected items for kids about a month ago. We dropped them off at Interact, giving my daughter an opportunity to learn more about the great work they do and about how kids don't always have everything they need. It was a great learning experience for her. 

Jennifer Bosk, vice president for marketing and communications at the United Way, tells me that many agencies are in desperate need of supplies, from diapers to vacuum cleaners to school supplies. A group of neighborhood kids, a youth group or Scout troop could get together to adopt an agency 

Bosk shared some agencies in need and some specific examples of what they'd like. 

I'll have more about other volunteer opportunities for kids later this week.