As a child I remember coming home to a house each night where there was always a hot meal on the table.  Looking back, I’m embarrassed to think about the times I grumbled about that gross meatloaf or those yucky vegetables.  If I only realized then how lucky I was to actually have a meal.  Right here in Kent County there are thousands of kids who would go to bed hungry each night if they didn’t have a sack supper from Kids Food Basket.

After seeing the good work this organization does, my challenge to you is to find a way you can help give back and help hungry kids in your own backyard.  Here are some ways you can help support Kids Food Basket.

• The organization is always looking for volunteers to come in and pack sack suppers.  They currently distribute over 1,500 suppers a day, so helping hands of all ages are appreciated.  No experience necessary to help.
• Donations of simple items like sandwich bags or juice boxes are always needed.  Check out the entire wish list here.   This could be as easy as just adding a few extras to your grocery list each week.
• If your kids are little artists, think about decorating paper sacks.  Brown or white lunch sacks are needed and personalized messages or even just a good old fashioned smiley face can brighten another child’s day.
• Gather up your co-workers, bible study or a group of friends and do a trail mix project.  Personally, I’m going to get together some of my girlfriends and do this.  You purchase the supplies needed and make up the baggies at home.  It’s a great way to catch up with old friends while giving back! 

For more information on Kids Food Basket and ways you can help, watch Where You Live this weekend!  Tonight when you’re eating dinner, take the time to appreciate what you have.  Even if your kids are having gross meatloaf and yucky veggies, remind them how blessed they are.

Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding
www.equestcenter.org
Equest Center is always looking for volunteers to do everything from cleaning the horse stalls, to helping riders with their therapy classes.  All ages are welcome and a volunteer training class is provided ahead of time.

HandsOn Battle Creek
www.handsonbc.org
Through out the year this organization offers many ways families can volunteer in the Battle Creek area.  Everything from coat drives to community clean-up projects.  On November 21 there is an opportunity to participate in National Family Volunteer Day.

Heart of West Michigan United Way
www.waybetterunitedway.org
The United Way is committed to linking volunteers with opportunities to serve the community.  Tell them what your family is interested in and they’ll put you to work!

Kids Food Basket
www.kidsfoodbasket.org
This organization can take up to 75 volunteers a day to pack sack suppers for children in need.  Anyone over the age of six can help volunteer, so make it a family event! 

Paws With A Cause
www.pawswithacause.org
If you love dogs, this is a great way to give back.  PAWS is always looking for volunteer foster families to raise puppies as service dogs.

Schools of Hope
www.waybetterunitedway.org/program-soh.php
If you enjoy working with children this program is for you.  They are looking for adult volunteers to commit 30 minutes each week to help a child read.  You’ll be assigned a child through Grand Rapids Public Schools and serve as a literacy mentor.

Volunteer Match
www.volunteermatch.org 
All you do is type in the city you live in and a list of places in your neighborhood that need volunteers will come up.  It’s easy to navigate!

If you’re interested in volunteering at the big race on Saturday, May 9 visit www.53riverbankrun.com.  Click on the “event information” section and you’ll find your link to volunteering.

Help a child learn to read.  The United Way’s Schools of Hope program is always looking for volunteers to help.  The commitment is only 30 minutes each week and you’ll make a huge difference in a child’s life.  www.waybetterunitedway.org.

Help at a local food pantry.  Your family can collect food to donate, or many pantries need assistance in sorting and stocking items.  Contact your local Salvation Army for more details.  www.salvationarmy.org.

Do you love dogs?  Paws for a Cause is looking for volunteer families to be foster parents for their puppies in training.  It’s a 14 month committment, but it’s a great way to teach your kids pet responsibility.  www.pawswithacause.org.

How about being a big brother or big sister to someone who needs a positive role model in their life.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteer mentors.  www.dablodgett.org.

Contact your local senior center or nursing home.  Often times they are looking for smiling faces to help brighten someone’s day.  You can play cards together, read or just be a great listener. 

On a daily basis the Kids Food Basket in Grand Rapids needs over 75 volunteers!  They are always looking for help packing sack lunches for the 1,500 kids per day they feed.  www.kidsfoodbasket.org.