Human Interest
Families Urged To Make Volunteering A Priority
By
Aug 14, 2005, 21:43

(NAPSI)-While many people believe that volunteering is a great experience with its own rewards, a new program is actually giving families who volunteer a chance to win a cash prize.

Jennie Garth, star of the WB's "What I Like About You," is championing this new cause-encouraging families to make family volunteering a priority. Garth, a mother of two, is the spokesperson for the Angel Soft® Angels in Action® Program and is leading the Angel Soft Million Family Service Pledge™, an effort asking parents to pledge one hour each month to volunteer with their kids. Everyone who takes the pledge has the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize and $5,000 to put toward a charity of choice.

"The list of ways we can turn our talents and interests into fun projects that benefit other is endless," Garth says. "I've discovered kids have tremendous compassion and desire to be of service. Sometimes they just need an adult to help support them in turning their ideas into action."

Youth volunteerism is important in helping kids grow up to be responsible adults. Children who volunteer are twice as likely to grow up to become adults who volunteer. According to a new survey, the majority of families (84 percent) said they consider volunteering an important part of family life, yet feel they don't have enough time, resources and information on volunteer opportunities. That's why the experts say start small and keep it simple.

Joining Garth in spreading the word about the Angels in Action program is national service learning expert Cathryn Berger Kaye, the author of "The Complete Guide to Service Learning." Kaye suggests these tips to help families work together for a good cause:

• Pick a Passion. Create a list of your child's hobbies or interests and talk about ways to use those skills to help others.

• Plan Time. Designate time on your calendar as "family service time" and let your child lead the way in picking projects or causes that interest them.

• Participate. Demonstrate your support by joining in the project planning. Let your child delegate tasks to you, ask questions about how the project is going and provide support to help your child see things through.

Little Angels Honored

Now in its sixth year, the Angel Soft Angels in Action honors children for their exemplary acts of service. This year, the makers of Angel Soft toilet paper are recognizing children ages 8 to 18 with $45,000 in cash prizes. Details on the awards and the pledge can be found at www.angelsoft.com.

TV star (and mom) Jennie Garth urges families to volunteer at least one hour a month.

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