Giving back to her community is important to Amy Miller. The Arlington married mother and owner of www.Our-Kids.com, an online resource guide for parents looking for family activities, says the holiday season is a great time to introduce children to community service. For Miller volunteering with her two daughters, Madeline, 10 and Emma, 8, is a year 'round activity that they greatly enjoy doing together.

"There are many places you can volunteer at but many require that children be 16 years or older so my focus with Our-Kids is to pick opportunities that are easy and simple, [for parents and children]" Miller said.

When choosing an activity, Miller also suggests keeping in mind the child's maturity level and personality and what type of activity they might enjoy.

"Even if your child is quite young, giving them ownership of a particular project like the selection of a child from an Angel Tree and then asking them to help you purchase items on the child's wish list can really get them thinking about what the holidays are all about," said Miller. "And, the importance of being thankful for what they have and giving back to the community."

Miller leads two Girl Scout troops [the girls are in different troops] and the girls regularly do a program at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).

Puwen Lee, volunteer coordinator at AFAC said the organization welcomes family involvement and has many ways for children to participate.

"Volunteering at AFAC helps children understand that even in an affluent community there are still neighbors who need our help," said Lee.

Parents can arrange to attend a drop-in bagging night or create their own project. Visit www.afac.org for a schedule of volunteer events and other ways to help the organization.

Kurt Larrick, communications director for the Department of Human Services in Arlington County noted that the Secret Santa program administered by the department accepts donations of gift cards. He explained that the gift cards are an efficient and empowering way to ensure that children and youth in foster care and others in need receive what they need and want.

"Everything that you give goes directly to the people who need it," Larrick said. "You can actually designate if you want your gift to go to kids or families or people with disabilities or older adults." To learn more about the program, go to:

http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/HumanServices/page66502.aspx 

Miller said that taking part in volunteer activities provides her family with many opportunities to learn about others living in our community and expands their understanding of another's perspective.

"It brings up lots of topics that you may not necessarily talk about," she said. 

Miller said her Girl Scout troops have had programs at the assisted living section of Culpepper Gardens: "It's so much fun to see the young kids and the older adults."

Whether taking part in an organized event or working on a specific project, Miller recommendeds that parents have an understanding of the requirements (including age) so that the activity can be a positive experience for all.

Miller also cautions against cramming too much into an outing, especially with young children. When shopping, for example, don't try to purchase too many items in one trip or you may end up with a melt down while waiting in line at Target.

Parents may want to start out small by choosing activities that are easy and simple to do. Miller recommends an online resource, Operation Shoebox, which supports our troops

http://www.operationshoebox.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=16   

The organization accepts shoeboxes filled with toiletries and other small items. "This can be good for younger kids—they can help pick the items, wrap the box and/or make a card," she said.

Miller stressed that while starting a holiday tradition of "giving back" is a great way to introduce children to volunteering activities, the need for assistance exists year 'round.

"Organizations are thrilled to have volunteers during the holidays but it'd be even more meaningful to have people do it throughout the year," Miller noted.