Giving Back as a Family

Living in a vibrant and caring community like Spokane offers countless opportunities to teach children the power of compassion, empathy, and service. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering time, or donating to a local cause, giving back as a family is one of the most meaningful ways to bond and make a positive impact—right here in our own backyard.

The best way we can make a difference in our community is by being what we would like to see in this world.

If you want to see love and compassion. Do your part by showing lovie and compassion to those around you.

I was very fortunate to have been raised by a very selfless family. I grew up watching my parents, aunties and uncles, and grandparents give their last to someone they saw in need. I was always encouraged to show love to those that I encounter when I am outside our home because you never know what they might have to go home to.

One kind gesture can go a long way. We may not be able to see the results from our acts of kindness, but if everyone in our community takes the time to do at least one good deed a day, imagine the impact it could make for our future generations. 

Here are some family-friendly ways to help the less fortunate in Spokane, including trusted local organizations and ideas that even young kids can take part in.

 1. Organize a Family Food Drive

The need for nutritious food is constant, especially for low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused.

 Where to Give:

• Second Harvest Inland Northwest accepts food donations and also welcomes volunteers to help sort and pack boxes.
  🔗 https://2-harvest.org
• Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank serves local families in crisis.
  🔗 https://svpart.org

 Family Tip: Let your kids help make colorful signs for a neighborhood food drive or pick out shelf-stable items while grocery shopping.

Another thing that I have seen around that can really help the less fortunate are Little Food Pantries

Utilizing these is a quick easy way to contribute to making sure no one goes without food. You and your neighbors can even get together in building your own Little Food Pantry and placing in a convenient spot for people to give what they can.

2. Donate Winter Clothing & Essentials

Spokane winters are harsh—coats, gloves, blankets, and socks can be lifesaving.

 Where to Give:

• Blessings Under the Bridge provides meals and essentials to the unhoused community.
  🔗 https://butb.org
• Transitions Spokane supports women and children facing homelessness.
  🔗 https://help4women.org

 Kid Tip: Have your child help clean, fold, and sort clothes to donate. You can even let them write notes of encouragement to include in donation bags.

These moments created memories from my childhood that stuck to me the most. As winter would approach my mom would take us to thrift stores where we could pick out winter clothing in different sizes, then we would drive around Spokane handing them out to anyone who needed them. My mom would purchase these items from her own pocket expecting nothing in return and created a fun way for me and my siblings to be involved.

3. Make Hygiene or Snack Kits Together

Assemble simple care packages with travel-sized toiletries, snacks, water bottles, and socks. These are great to hand out at shelters or keep in your car for someone in need.

 Ideas for kits:

• Granola bars, applesauce pouches
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Hand warmers, socks
• Feminine hygiene items

 Local Drop-Off Locations:

• House of Charity (Catholic Charities Eastern Washington)
  🔗 https://cceasternwa.org
• Cup of Cool Water (Youth homelessness outreach)
  🔗 https://cupofcoolwater.org

These items may seem small to some but to others they could mean the world. Personal hygiene is very important and not everyone has access to what we need to take care of our bodies but if we all work together as a community, we can make these items a lot more accessible to those in need.

4. Volunteer Together

Giving your time as a family not only builds connection but helps children learn the value of service.

Family-Friendly Volunteering Ideas:

• Meals on Wheels Spokane – Deliver meals and a smile to seniors.
  🔗 https://gscmealsonwheels.org
• Spokane County Library District – Participate in seasonal clean-up events or help with book donations.
  🔗 https://www.scld.org
• Spokane Riverkeeper – Join a river cleanup or neighborhood beautification project.
  🔗 https://spokaneriverkeeper.org

Make sure to keep an eye on our events page where I will include different events that you and your family can volunteer at together.

5. Give a Gift That Gives Back

During birthdays or holidays, encourage your child to donate a new toy to a child in need or “gift” a donation to a cause they care about.

 Local Programs:

• Spokane Angel Tree (The Salvation Army) – Help fulfill gift requests for local children at Christmas.
  🔗 https://spokane.salvationarmy.org
• Project Beauty Share – Donate new or gently used beauty and hygiene items for women in need.
  🔗 https://projectbeautyshare.org

Before Christmas comes around, include your children in giving back by having them look through their toys and choosing items that they no longer wish to keep, then donating them to programs such as Toys For Tots

Final Thoughts 

Raising kids who care starts with showing them how to care. Spokane offers so many ways for families to get involved and support those less fortunate—whether through hands-on service, donations, or simple acts of kindness.

By making community giving a regular part of family life, you're not just helping others—you're teaching values that last a lifetime. ❤️🌎

🧭 Need Help Finding the Right Fit?
Visit Volunteer Spokane to browse opportunities by age, interest, or availability:
🔗 https://www.volunteerspokane.org