TRAVERSE CITY -- Theresa and Bob Kerry searched a long time for an opportunity to expose their two children to volunteerism.
The Interlochen couple joined about 60 other parents and children Saturday morning to stuff toiletry bags for Safe Harbor, a group of churches that provide overnight shelter to the homeless. The event was organized by United Way of Northwest Michigan to recognize National Family Volunteering Day.
"It was great to be able to do it with the whole family and that was the thing that made it extra nice," Bob Kerry said.
Logan Kerry, 8, said it was fun and he'd like to do it again.
"We helped the homeless," Logan said.
Ryan Paulson of Traverse City said the event made it easy for his four young children to work along side mom and dad, instead of watching mom and dad do the work.
"I think if you start early, it will actually instill something in them to volunteer as they get older," Paulson said.
Amanda Hilt, volunteer coordinator for United Way, said getting kids thinking about others in their community and developing volunteerism was the event's main goal. For most of the families, it was the first time they volunteered as a family, and many said they plan to do it again.
Hilt said she keeps track of family friendly volunteer activities, such as picking apples for food pantries, that she'll share with Saturday's participants and other interested people.
For more information on volunteer opportunities contact Hilt at 947-3200, extension 206.
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