Volunteering as a Family: Building Generosity in Kids

The holiday season is a wonderful time to come together as a family, not just for celebration but also for giving back. HTX Basket Brigade provides a unique opportunity to volunteer as a family, assembling Thanksgiving baskets for families in need across Houston. Beyond just packing baskets, this experience helps children learn valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and kindness. By participating together, families create memories and a lasting foundation of generosity that kids will carry with them throughout their lives.

Teaching Empathy Through Action

When families volunteer together, children get to experience the importance of empathy in a very real way. HTX Basket Brigade’s mission—to ensure that families have a warm meal to share on Thanksgiving—helps children see firsthand that not everyone has access to the basics. The simple act of packing a basket with essentials like canned goods, fresh produce, and Thanksgiving treats allows kids to connect with the needs of others in a meaningful way.

"Volunteering reminds kids that behind every basket is a family just like theirs, ready to gather around their own Thanksgiving table," says Michael Schellinger, Basket Brigade Volnteer Leadship. By experiencing empathy through action, children learn to appreciate what they have and to share that appreciation with others.

Building Responsibility and Teamwork

Family volunteer work also instills a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork in children. At HTX Basket Brigade’s Build Day, kids can take on tasks suited to their age, from organizing canned items to assembling baskets. The day becomes a family activity where every member has a role, showing kids that their contributions matter.

By being part of a larger effort, children experience what it means to work towards a goal together. Whether they’re helping to check items off a list or ensuring each basket is filled with care, kids learn that every task contributes to the bigger picture. It’s an empowering experience, teaching children that their efforts make a tangible difference.

A Kid-Friendly, Fun Build Day

HTX Basket Brigade makes it easy and enjoyable for families to get involved. Simply visit htxbasketbrigade.com to sign up, donate, or find other ways to contribute. The highlight of the season for many families is the Build Day—a kid-friendly event where families work side by side to assemble Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need.

On Build Day, children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate tasks, from sorting canned goods to packing items in baskets, all within a welcoming, safe, and joyful environment. The event is designed to be engaging for kids, helping them see the direct impact of their efforts and feel the excitement of giving back. With music, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with other volunteers, the day becomes a fun, memorable experience for everyone.

Fostering Kindness and Community Connection

One of the most valuable aspects of family volunteering is the opportunity it provides for children to experience the joy of kindness without expecting anything in return. Through their participation, kids witness how even small acts of giving can brighten the holiday season for others, inspiring them to bring kindness into their daily lives.

The Build Day also fosters a sense of community, helping children understand the importance of supporting their neighbors. For many kids, this experience deepens their connection to Houston and shows them that they are part of a larger, caring community.

A Lasting Impact on Families

Volunteering as a family with HTX Basket Brigade is more than a one-time event; it’s a tradition that families can revisit each Thanksgiving. These experiences help children understand the true meaning of generosity, while parents enjoy quality time spent with their children, working toward a shared goal. Many families find that volunteering together strengthens their bond and creates memories rooted in compassion and purpose.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved with HTX Basket Brigade is easy and rewarding. Visit htxbasketbrigade.com to find more details on signing up for the next Build Day, making a donation, or discovering other ways to contribute. Every dollar and every helping hand directly supports Houston families in need, and family participation adds a special kind of joy to the experience.