Cottage Grove sentinel., March 25, 2021, THURSDAY EDITION, Page 21, Image 21

COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL | MARCH 25, 2021 | 1C
How families can give back to
their communities together
Strong communities are built by strong
people who recognize the importance of
giving back. Children recognize when their
parents give back to their communities,
and often that recognition compels young-
sters to want to do the same.
Volunteering as a family is a great way
for parents to instill their values in their
youngsters while strengthening the com-
munities in which those children live. Vol-
unteering also provides a host of additional,
potentially surprising benefits. For exam-
ple, a 2003 study from researchers at the
University of Texas found that taking part
in helping one’s community lowers rates
of depression and anxiety. In addition, re-
search has indicated that adolescents who
volunteer may perform better at school and
take a more positive approach to education.
Family-friendly volunteering opportu-
nities abound, and the following are some
ways that families can give back together.
• Feed the hungry: The role of charitable
organizations that feed those in need was
highlighted during the COVID-19 pan-
demic. The economic fallout of the pan-
demic was significant, as tens of millions
of people lost their jobs and, subsequently,
their ability to feed themselves and their
families. Local food banks stepped in to
feed those families, and organizations are
always in need of volunteers to help pre-
pare, deliver and serve food. Volunteering
at a local food bank or soup kitchen is a
great way for parents to show their children
that they have a lot to be thankful for while
instilling in them a sense of responsibility
to community members in need.
• Create art: Art can be as beneficial to its
creators as it is for those who appreciate it.
That’s especially so for children in relation
to their development. According to a report
from Americans for the Arts, art education
strengthens problem-solving and critical
thinking skills. Art also encourages kids to
innovate, a benefit that will pay dividends
throughout their lives. Art also is fun to
create, and parents can turn kids’ natural
inclination toward fun and creativity into
a way to give back to their communities.
The New Jersey-based organization Color
A Smile distributes cheerful drawings to
senior citizens and overseas troops, among
others. Adults and chil-
dren can volunteer to
bring smiles to the faces
of strangers, all the while
reaping the many ben-
efits of engaging in art
projects.
• Nature clean-up:
Local park and beach
clean-ups help to keep
the great outdoors pris-
tine and pollution-free.
Such clean-ups, which
are a fun way to get outdoors, also provide
a great opportunity for parents to teach
children about the environment and the
importance of protecting it.
Whether it’s helping those in need, ex-
ploring one’s inner artist or helping keep
local parks and beaches clean, the opportu-
nities for families to give back together are
numerous.
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Since 1988, South Lane Mental Health has been committed to
helping children and adults with mental, emotional and behavioral
health issues get the services they need in order to realize full and
productive lives.
COVID-19 is taking its toll on everyone’s mental health. Increased
suicidality, overdoses, depression, anxiety and other mental health
issues are on the rise. In support of the 1 out of every 4 people that
are suffering, please consider a donation today.
Donations can be sent to:
South Lane Mental Health
P.O. Box 5
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Online donations here: https://www.slmh.org/donate
We are here for the community, so if you or someone
you know needs help, please call us: 541-942-3939.
1345 Birch Ave • 541-942-3939 • www.slmh.org
Community Volunteers
Make it Happen!
For Vo
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Oppor nteer
tunitie
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v
i
s
i
t
www.c
ottage
groveo
r.gov
or call
(541)
942-11
85