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Best Volunteer Opportunities For Families In Minnesota

Sometimes families look for certain projects to do as a group. It makes their family bond stronger with each other and makes them feel better as a person. In today's hard economic times, families are looking for simple and cheap ways to do things that are family oriented. Why don't you consider volunteering? If you and your family would like to offer assistance to someone else in need, look into these five opportunities.

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Doing Good Together
5141 16th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 822-6502
www.doinggoodtogether.org

You and your family members can volunteer some of your time at Doing Good Together. You can create new and fresh ideas or projects to make someone else smile and actually forget about their hardships, even if it's just for one day. Get involved with family service night or other community outreach centers. It will make you feel good to bring some sunshine into someone else's day.

Salvation Army
Northern Division Headquarters
2445 Prior Ave. N.
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 746-3400
www.salvationarmynorth.org

If you and your family members are looking for some extracurricular activities, donate some of your time and spare items to Salvation Army. This non-profit agency offers several basic needs programs. You could assist with a weekend breakfast, go grocery shopping to contribute to the Friday Food Fare or even help stock the emergency food shelves. It will make you and your family truly appreciate the things you have in life. There is no other feeling quite like it.

Animal Humane Society
1115 Beulah Lane
Saint Paul, MN 55108
(651) 645-7387 Ext. 105
www.animalhumanesociety.org

If you and your family are searching for some volunteer work, give your time to the Animal Humane Society. You can walk the dogs, pet the kittens, feed the puppies, help clean the cages and give all of the little animals water and food. This is a great volunteer opportunity for that animal-loving child or parent that may or may not have a pet at home. Be warned though, these animals leave a lasting impression and might end up making the trip home with you.

God's Closet
Epworth United Methodist Church
1965 E. Sherwood Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55119
(651) 771-4627
www.godscloset.wordpress.com

Let's say that you and your family would like to help someone out but with your tight schedule and limited budget, you just cannot take the time out right now. If free time is not an abundant option, consider donating goods to this church. Give away some of your old pots and pans, gently used clothing, blankets and pillows and awesome science fiction novels or children's books. Another family will benefit from your donations and be thrilled to use them.

Hunger Solutions Minnesota
555 Park St., Suite 210
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 486-9860
www.foodpantries.org

Today, many people are having a hard time financially. However, other folks have it just a little rougher than some. If you and your family have some spare time, offer Hunger Solutions Minnesota some assistance. Make this family outing a real team effort to help connect to another special family. Assist in soup kitchens or bag some groceries for a family in need and offer a hand to stop hunger for just one day in your community. This will make any family feel good and strengthen the family bond.

Misty Wesley is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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