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Top Summer Volunteer Opportunities For Families In South Florida

Volunteering as a family is a great way to not only spend time together but help others and the community. When kids volunteer they learn they too can make a difference in someone's life and to appreciate the value of what they have, making it a great way to spend some time this summer. Please be sure to read through the volunteer information for each of these as many organizations have minimum age restrictions for volunteers on-site. These five South Florida organizations are great places to volunteer at this summer and bring the family closer together while helping others.
bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

South Florida Red Cross

335 S.W. 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 644-1200
www.redcross.org

For families with teenagers, the Red Cross is the perfect place to volunteer this summer and make a difference. Please note Red Cross only accepts on-site volunteers ages 15 to 17. Click here to learn more about their volunteer opportunities from helping at blood drives to assisting in disaster relief. Find out more about this organization and their volunteer opportunities by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

playwright
(Source: Playwright Irish Pub)

Feeding South Florida

2501 S.W. 32nd Terrace
Hollywood, FL 33023
(954) 518-1818
www.feedingsouthflorida.org

This organization accepts volunteers over the age of 12, so it is a great place for the family to volunteer this summer. For families with younger kids that want to get involved, another alternative is running a food drive at their neighborhood, church, etc. and then donating the food to Feeding South Florida. All volunteers must register first on their website, as they do not take walk-in volunteers. To register or for additional information, visit their Volunteering Webpage. Don't forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information and updates.

bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

Ronald McDonald House Of South Florida

1145 N.W. 14th Terrace
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 324-5683
www.rmhcsouthflorida.org

While on-site volunteers for office, house maintenance, housekeeping, etc. need to be over 18, there are still plenty of ways for kids and families to volunteer here. One of the best and also a fun way to do so is by adopting a meal. The Adopt-A-Meal program is where a family can provide and make a meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House who do not have time, energy or funds to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal while their child is being treated. For more information on the Adopt-A-Meal program click here. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and more ways to get involved.

Related: Top Zoo Exhibits In South Florida 

(Source: Thinkstock)

Broward County Parks And Recreation Division

950 N.W. 38th St.
Oakland Park, FL 33309
(954) 357-8100
www.broward.org

From being a junior lifeguard to the student summer recreation program assistant, there are tons of opportunities for kids and families to volunteer and make the parks a better place this summer in Broward County. Click here to see full list of volunteer projects and opportunities. Their volunteer program is called VIP's, which stands for Volunteers Improving Parks, and they even host a special Summer Program VIPs complete with an end-of summer celebration. Please note those under age 18 will need a completed volunteer parental permission form in order to participate. To download it and their other volunteer forms click here.

vandyke
(Source: Van Dyke Cafe)

Homestead Soup Kitchen

105 S.W. 3rd Ave.
Homestead, FL 33090
(305) 245-7448
www.homesteadsoupkitchen.com

Whether actually volunteering to cook, serve food or donate kitchen needs as a family, this is a great way to help those who are in need of a meal. Click here to learn ways families can help. The hours of operation of the kitchen are noon through 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Since it's first meal served on Thanksgiving day in 1983 this wonderful organization has been serving food to those who are hungry for over 30 years!

Related: Top Spring 2016 Races In South Florida

Suzy Fielders is a working mom of a spirited 9 year old daughter. She has an MA in Communication Studies and BA in Psychology and Communications. She works in marketing/public relations, is a freelance writer and is very involved in the Winston-Salem community and arts & films scene.

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