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Bonding With Helping Hands
Volunteering With Grandkids
By Sue Poremba
Once this is done, the grandparent and grandchild need to do some research. Decide what industry or charity fits in best with the combined experience, interests and values. After narrowing your choices, pick up the phone and call the organizations to find out what their needs are.
The grandparent and grandchild also need to decide on the type of commitment they can provide. Some organizations have minimum commitment requirements, while other organizations appreciate any amount of time their volunteers can provide.
"There is episodic volunteering as an option," says Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. "The grandparent and grandchild can take a trip together focused on volunteering, or they can plan to do community service when the grandchild is visiting."
A popular form of episodic volunteering is with Habitat for Humanity or working with organizations that help impoverished communities. Clean up efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have provided excellent opportunities for volunteering across generations.
- Literacy programs or tutoring English to non-English speakers