Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Albuquerque, NM

As an adult, finding volunteer opportunities isn't all that difficult, but for kids (especially young ones), it's a different story.  That doesn't mean you can't find small service opportunities here and there for your preschoolers though.  It can be hard for young ones to understand why others might need things that they so readily have, but giving them opportunities to help others will build a wonderful foundation for when they are older.  Here are some ideas to help your kids start giving.

• Help your child gather up clothes that no longer fit him and donate them to Joy Junction (they will accept food donations as well).
• Send your child through your pantry and have her gather some food to donate to Roadrunner Food bank.  Local Starbucks locations are accepting donations through the 19th.  If your child loves to talk, have her call up friends and neighbors and collect food from them as well.
• Visit a toy store and let your child pick out a toy to donate to Toys for Tots (click the link for donation locations).  Likewise, you could visit Coronado Mall or Cottonwood Mall and choose a toy from the Angel trees.
• If you have an animal lover, then this is a fun one. Collect peanut butter and plain yogurt to donate to the animal shelter
• Have your child write some random thank-you notes for people like the cashier at the grocery store, the mailman, her pediatrician, or the person who takes your order at McDonald's.  You might also consider having her draw a few pictures and just handing them out to people who look they could use a smile.
• Visit a local park with a trash bag and do some clean-up.  We all know that there are many parks in the city that could use that!
• Barnes and Noble is hosting a holiday book drive.  Your child can choose a book that will be donated to a child in need for a Christmas gift.