'HandsOn' Volunteer Program is for the Whole Family

Looking for a way to get your children involved in community service at an early age?

Then take a peek at newest program, HandsOn.

“Community service is part of the mission and history of the Community House,” said Cristie Carter, program coordinator.

This is Carter’s second year on the Community House Board of Directors. She felt there was an opportunity to put together age appropriate volunteer opportunities for children and their families. Being a mother of children ages 10, seven and four-and-a-half years old, she knows a thing or two about the importance about teaching the importance of civic engagement.

“We had several conversations for years around the holiday time with friends and board members thinking wouldn’t it be nice to have the kids volunteer and to appreciate how lucky they are,” said Carter.

Carter says that while it is hard for some nonprofits and other organizations to incorporate children into volunteer programs, Carter and the board of directors have identified several opportunities.

“There is no hardline commitment to the program and we are in the midst of building our database,” said Carter.  

Carter said HandsOn will seek to conduct at least one volunteer project per month and all families have to do is “just show up” to the scheduled event.

Families interested in signing up can go to the Community House Website or email Carter at volunteers@communityhouse.org. Additionally, the group seeks other volunteer coordinators to assist with administering the program.