Volunteering as a family is a chance to build strong personal ties and support your local community.

Whether you’re looking for an ongoing commitment or a small way you can give back, there are a variety of ways for your family to donate or volunteer. Consider how you can make a difference.

Assist Those in Need

Emergency shelters offer a variety of services for those without homes. Volunteer at one of them to help out someone in need.

• Homeless Shelters — The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a list of registered emergency shelters throughout Massachusetts. Activities can include helping in soup kitchens and setting up play spaces for homeless children. Opportunities vary depending on the local situation. Not all programs are looking for volunteers, so contact the shelter ahead of time to find out their needs.

• Veterans’ Shelters — If your family feels a connection to the armed forces, you may want to consider one of the many programs designed to help veterans in need. The Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) has lists of providers, including homeless shelters and transitional housing, women veterans’ programs and shelters, and the two state Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. These organizations’ needs vary, so always reach out to the provider directly to get an idea of what your family can offer.

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization

If your family loves animals, shelters and rescue services provide an opportunity to help our furry (and sometimes feathered or scaly) friends. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has a list of approved shelters and rescue organizations throughout the state. Not all shelters seek volunteers, so call ahead to find out if help is needed.

Support Your Community

Working together as a family, you can make your community safer and more beautiful.

• State Parks and Forests — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Volunteers in the Parks Program supports state forests and parks across Massachusetts.

• Snow Removal — With another New England winter underway, your family can help emergency responders with snow removal and programs like Adopt-a-Hydrant, which allows residents of Boston to volunteer to shovel out a hydrant near their home during the winter.

Donate Together

If you aren’t able to give time, donating is another way to help your community. According to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), there are more than 22,000 not-for-profit charitable organizations registered in Massachusetts, giving you a wide range of options.

• Do Your Research — Follow the AGO’s list of dos and don’ts for charitable giving, review a charity’s federal tax Form 990, keep receipts of contributions in case they’re tax deductible, and remember to give wisely.

• Choose as a Family — Discuss your options together. This can be an opportunity to help younger children learn the value of giving and gives older kids the chance to identify issues that are important to them.

• Consider Donating Household Items — EEA has a list of organizations looking for reusable and recycled goods.

Looking for more ways to volunteer as a family? The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) and its Connect and Serve database can help you find a variety of options in your area.

Tweet @MassGov or comment below with any questions about volunteering or donating as a family.

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