Family Volunteer Day

Each year VISTAs are encouraged to participate in several national service days. Family Volunteer Day is a great way to for us VISTAs to get involved in the community that we serve.

This November, Utah County will be among hundreds of communities nationwide participating in Family Volunteer Day. Locally, Family Volunteer Day is hosted by United Way of Utah County and gives families the opportunity to participate in improving their neighborhoods and communities.

“Family Volunteer Day is a chance for families to get together and experience meaningful service,” said Raquel Lopez, youth volunteer outreach AmeriCorps*VISTA with United Way of Utah County. “This is a good opportunity for parents to teach their children the value of service.”

On Saturday, November 21, teams of family volunteers will gather for a pancake breakfast and will then split up to serve in various locations. Projects include helping with home construction for families in need, making and setting up holiday decorations for elderly and disabled community members, cleaning at a special needs day care center and putting together charitable care packages for the children of disabled persons.

“It is neat to see families wanting to teach their children to appreciate what they have,” Lopez said. “It can be hard to find service projects for a whole family, and this creates a day for them to serve together.”

Last year, more than 130 volunteers donated their time to five projects including making stockings for low-income children and putting up holiday decorations at local nursing homes.

“Often volunteer opportunities aren’t designed for families or younger children,” said Brian Wayment, AmeriCorps*VISTA leader with United Way of Utah County. “Typically it is hard to include the whole family. We try to have family-friendly activities that include everyone.”

Projects are geared toward volunteers of all ages and skills to include every family member. Volunteers are assigned to projects depending on their interests and capabilities. Families of all sizes with children of any ages are encouraged to attend. Church and community groups are also welcome to participate in the day’s activities.

“It gives families the opportunity to learn something together,” Wayment said. “Children who learn to serve at a young age are more likely to be involved in their community in one way or another.”

Family Volunteer Day starts with a complimentary pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Community Action Services and Food Bank (815 S. Freedom Blvd., Provo). Service projects will be from 9:30– 11:30 at various sites from Payson to Orem. Interested families should sign up at www.unitedwayuc.org or call Raquel Lopez at 801-691-5330.