If the Big Brother and Big Sister concept appeals to you, what about assembling the kids and becoming a Big Family? Two local mentoring organizations, Kids 'n Kinship and Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, are looking for families to befriend children who need additional support. All that's requested is that you include the child (ages 5-16) once a week in one of your family activities - playing games, baking, watching sports or going to the movies. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

—Jenny Friedman

Minneapolis mother Jenny Friedman offers our weekly tips on how to give back as a family. Friedman is author of "The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering" and founder of Doing Good Together, a non profit orgazation that works with groups and individuals on how to involve children and teens in social action, volunteering and charitable giving at www.doinggoodtogether.org.

Advertisement