"Two other moms and I had been involved in community work before we were married, but once we had kids, it was harder to do. There are very few opportunities for young kids to volunteer because of all the liability issues, so we decided to create our own organization for that purpose. We have an event every month, and children participate right along with their parents. Today we're delivering cards and caroling for the seniors at St. Peter Villa, but we've done lots of other things: donated gently used books and toys to community centers, walked and bathed dogs at the animal shelter, picked up trash and planted bulbs, worked at the Dorothy Day House, made sandwiches for those who are homeless, and more. We want our children to learn about giving back to the community, and helping them get involved early is the best way."
Kristen and Pete Landsgaard and family:
Some of the Memphis Little Helpers at St. Peter Villa
5th Anniversary of Carols and Cards for Seniors
5th Anniversary of Carols and Cards for Seniors
From the Little Helpers Cards & Carols FB event page:
Little Helpers has been helping children help others since December 2010. The family volunteer group holds monthly service projects for children of all ages. The program is designed to help young people understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand. The ultimate goal of the program is to raise confident children who see giving back to the community as a normal aspect of their lives.
Little Helpers has been helping children help others since December 2010. The family volunteer group holds monthly service projects for children of all ages. The program is designed to help young people understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand. The ultimate goal of the program is to raise confident children who see giving back to the community as a normal aspect of their lives.
The following photos are courtesy of the Little Helpers Cards & Carols FB event page.
Kristen Landsgaard, Little Helpers
FB: Little Helpers
American Towns Article: Little Helpers Give Back to the Community
FB: Little Helpers
American Towns Article: Little Helpers Give Back to the Community