Ivet Fortun brings her daughters to volunteer!

I have always enjoyed doing volunteer work. For years I have always found time to give back to my community by lending a helping hand. But the day that I decided to take my girls,9 and 10 years old with me, was the day that changed the way I viewed volunteer work forever.

The first time I took them to do volunteer work was at a nursing home. This is one of the few places were they allow children under 18 years old to volunteer. I knew they were going to like it since I have always taught them to be respectful and helpful towards the elderly. That they we got to take a group of seniors to a nearby 99 cent store. We were in charge of pushing their wheelchairs to get them there and back. Of course they were still little (being only 7 and 8 at the time) so they couldn't help pushing the chairs but they were very helpful that day. While in the store they would help the seniors get certain items or pay at the register. When we got back they did art and crafts with the seniors. They really enjoyed that. The interaction between them was incredible like if they were grandparents and grandchildren. I could see in my kid's eyes the excitement of helping somebody else. At that moment I realized that I was doing my kids a great good by bringing them with me. When we left the nursing home they shared with me how they enjoyed the experience and how they would love to go back.

Now they don't miss any opportunity to volunteer whether it will be at a local garden, nursing home, or farm. I believe volunteering will make them better adults. They will have respect themselves and others. They will learn about being more human and sensible to the world around them. I know at the end of the day they benefit more from the experience than the people they set out to help.

Ivet Fortun