Originally published on LinkedIn by The Social Collective
It started with a simple observation.
Denise was managing the Kids Care Club at her children’s elementary school. Every month, she watched young kids show up eager to help. Their enthusiasm was contagious.
But there was a problem.
When she looked for other places her kids could volunteer, the options were limited. Most volunteer opportunities weren’t designed for young children. They were too young to serve at food banks. Too young for most community events. Too young to do the things they desperately wanted to do — help.
So Denise did what any determined parent would do.
She built something herself.
In 2019, Kids Give Back officially launched.
The mission was clear: give children aged 6-12 real, hands-on volunteer experiences that make an impact in their community.
Not pretend volunteering. Not token participation. Real work that matters.
Here’s what that looks like in action.
Kids as young as six years old preparing 200 meals for families who need them. Sandwiches. Salads. Desserts. All assembled by small hands with big hearts.
Children putting together baskets of baby supplies for teen parents.
Kids showing up on school holidays — not for a playdate, but to serve.
“Watching children as young as six enthusiastically assemble each meal is incredible,” Denise says. “Their pride in knowing that someone will have dinner that night because of them is something I love to see.”
What makes Kids Give Back different?
No competition. No awards for being the “best” volunteer. Just kids working together to help their community.
One parent put it perfectly:
“He told me he loved that our Summer Volunteer Camp has no competition — just kids working together to help the community.”
That feedback captured everything Kids Give Back stands for.
Every child can make a difference. Regardless of their abilities. Regardless of their background. They just need the opportunity.
The ripple effect is real.
Kids Give Back doesn’t just serve families with young children. They also support other nonprofit organizations by preparing and donating items those organizations need to operate.
One small nonprofit. Multiple layers of impact.
And here’s the part that might surprise you:
Kids Give Back runs on just three part-time employees.
Three.
The rest? A super active Board of Directors who do the work of many. Passionate volunteers. And a whole lot of heart.
How you can help.
Kids Give Back runs volunteer projects throughout the year. From meal prep to donation drives, every project requires supplies.
The easiest way to support them? Gift cards.
Gift cards to grocery stores, Walmart, Michaels, or Target allow them to purchase exactly what they need, when they need it. With limited storage space, they buy supplies closer to each project — so gift cards offer the flexibility that makes everything run smoothly.
Want to get involved?
There’s a place for everyone.
For kids (ages 6-12): → Kids Volunteer Day (held when Fairfax County Schools are closed) → Summer Volunteer Camp (five sessions available)
For families: → Family Volunteer Events in April, October, and December
For teens: → Volunteer as camp counselors or event staff
For adults: → Apply for a Board position or join special events committees
What if every child grew up knowing how to give back?
That’s not just a question.
