Family Volunteer Day is a global day of service held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which falls on November 23, 2024. It’s a day dedicated to families coming together, making a positive impact, and starting the holiday season with a focus on giving. This time is perfect for families to bond and show children the value of helping others while fostering a spirit of service. By volunteering, families build a tradition of compassion, gratitude, and empathy—qualities that are especially fitting during the Thanksgiving season.

Research shows that volunteering benefits mental and physical health, and this holds true for children as well. Volunteering as a family allows everyone to enjoy these benefits together, giving families valuable time away from everyday responsibilities. 

Encouraging Families to Serve

Family Volunteer Day was established in 1990 by Points of Light, a nonprofit founded by President George H.W. Bush to promote volunteer service. The day was created to inspire families to engage in their communities, working together to create positive change. This event also embodies Points of Light’s belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and encourages families to contribute to their communities, joining a nationwide movement of service.

Over the past three decades, Family Volunteer Day has expanded into a global day of service, with families worldwide participating in various projects that address local needs. Points of Light continues to support this initiative by providing resources, project ideas, and toolkits to help families discover meaningful volunteer opportunities.

The Impact of Family Volunteer Day

Families who volunteer on Family Volunteer Day make a significant impact, joining a broader community committed to service and compassion. Children gain invaluable firsthand experience in generosity, teamwork, and awareness of social issues affecting their communities. For many families, this one day of giving becomes a springboard for year-round involvement in service, fostering lasting memories and traditions focused on making a difference together.

 Families interested in getting involved can explore these resources:

• Create the Good’s volunteer search
• Points of Light
• Local community nonprofit websites
• Your local library

You can also ask friends and neighbors about their favorite volunteer spots for more ideas or check out Create the Good’s content library for inspiration. Whether you volunteer on Family Volunteer Day or another time, the most important thing is that giving back as a family benefits both your community and your family’s well-being.