Volunteering as a family at one of Denver’s many community organizations goes beyond simply giving back; it presents an opportunity to teach children about kindness, responsibility, and the importance of community. When kids participate in volunteer work, they develop empathy, build confidence, and learn firsthand how their actions can create a positive impact.
Whether serving meals to families in need, caring for animals, planting trees, or collecting toys for underprivileged children, this guide highlights several opportunities for families and children of all ages to serve and give back to our community.
Family Friendly Volunteering in Denver
Food Bank of the Rockies
The Food Bank of the Rockies is committed to fighting hunger across Colorado and Wyoming by providing food to families, seniors, and individuals in need. They offer a range of volunteer opportunities, from sorting and packing food to helping distribute meals at mobile pantries.
Best For: Children 10 and older can volunteer in the warehouse, inspecting and sorting donations. Volunteers 16+ can assist with order selection at the agency dock. Younger children can participate by organizing a Virtual Food Drive Fundraiser at home or school.
Impact Highlight: Over the past year, Food Bank of the Rockies distributed more than 93 million pounds of food, equating to over 77.5 million meals and serving an average of 212,400 meals daily.
Parent Tip: Warehouse shifts fill up fast, so be sure to register early!
Project Angel Heart
Project Angel Heart delivers medically tailored meals to individuals living with severe illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, and heart failure. In 2023, they expanded their program to support high-risk pregnant mothers, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
Best For: All ages! Kids can decorate meal bags with colorful drawings and uplifting messages to brighten recipients’ days. This can be done at home or as part of a group volunteer activity.
Impact Highlight: In 2023, Project Angel Heart prepared and delivered over 700,000 meals, with 72% of recipients reporting an improved quality of life that allowed them to live independently.
Parent Tip: Pick up a batch of paper bags and make decorating them a weekly family activity!
Humane Colorado
Formerly known as Dumb Friends League, Humane Colorado works to prevent pet homelessness and provide shelter for abandoned or injured animals.
Best For:
- Ages 8-16: Youth events such as animal care camps, volunteer days, homeschool programs, and Scout projects.
- Ages 16-17: The Summer Teen Program provides hands-on experience assisting the Animal Care team while earning service hours.
- All Ages: Organizing pet supply donation drives is a great way to support animals in need.
Impact Highlight: In 2024, Humane Colorado welcomed over 20,000 animals into its shelters and provided critical care for vulnerable pets.
Parent Tip: Kids who aren’t old enough to volunteer in-person can still make homemade pet toys or blankets to donate!
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)
VOC empowers Coloradans to protect and restore the state’s beautiful outdoor spaces through trail restoration, habitat conservation, and tree planting projects.
Best For: Kids 6+ can participate in family-friendly conservation projects, including park cleanups and reforestation efforts.
Impact Highlight: In 2024, VOC volunteers completed over 100 projects, contributing 28,948 service hours to preserve Colorado’s environment.
Parent Tip: These events fill up quickly—register in advance to secure your family’s spot!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver
RMHC-Denver provides free housing and support for families with sick children receiving medical care far from home.
Best For:
- Ages 3-13: Kids can organize wish list drives, decorate meal bags, or make handmade cards.
- Ages 14-17: Teens can volunteer on-site with a parent or guardian.
Impact Highlight: RMHC-Denver runs two houses, accommodating 118 families each night so they can stay close to their hospitalized children.
Parent Tip: Hosting a family bake sale or lemonade stand is a fun way to fundraise for RMHC!
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots spreads holiday joy by collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys to needy children.
Best For: All ages—Kids can help collect, sort, and prepare toys for donation.
Impact Highlight: In 2024, Toys for Tots Denver distributed 186,501 toys, benefiting 91,235 children.
Parent Tip: Let your child pick out and donate a toy themselves—this makes giving feel more personal and rewarding!
Make Giving Back a Family Tradition
Volunteering strengthens family bonds, teaches kids valuable life lessons, and builds a stronger community. Choose an activity that excites your child—whether it’s helping animals, feeding families, or planting trees, and make it a regular tradition. No matter your child’s age or interests, there are many meaningful family friendly volunteer opportunities in Denver.
