Popular magazines repeatedly tout Austin as one of the best cities to raise a family. YNN Lifestyle Reporter/Anchor and Parenting Blogger, Jennifer Borget brings her passion for parenting to your living room. She introduces you to parenting experts, authors, business owners and everyday moms and dads that know what it’s like to raise a child in Central Texas.
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Updated 06/19/2012 11:43 AM
Growing Up Texas: Little Helping Hands
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Marissa Vogel wanted to get her children involved in helping the community, but she had a hard time finding volunteer activities for young children.
"I thought, ‘How great it would be to have an online resource where it was easy to find and go do volunteer activities together?’" she said.
When Vogel couldn’t find the right outlet, she took matters into her own hands and started the nonprofit Little Helping Hands.
Ten-year-old Alex Villarreal is a participant in the program. He said his mom was the one who got him into volunteering.
"I was like 'OK, that sounds fun,' and then I was like, 'I like this, I want to do this more,'" he said.
Little Helping Hands gives families with children as young as 3-years-old a chance to give back. The nonprofit offers about 27 volunteer opportunities a month, which take place after school or on weekends.
Parents can sign up to volunteer online, but spots fill up quickly. Currently, only about 20 percent of the families who want to volunteer get a spot, but they're working hard to partner with more organizations and create more opportunities.
Click here for more information on donation and volunteer opportunities.