A soup kitchen serves hot meals to the homeless throughout the year with a focus on providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. During these holidays, a soup kitchen has an influx of people needing meals and a need for volunteers to serve the food. You can volunteer with your children during the holidays to help distribute meals to the homeless who do not have the ability or the means to have a meal otherwise. This can teach children to give to those less fortunate than themselves.
There are many people in the world, in your country and even in your town that do not have the means to buy Christmas presents for their children. Children who do not receive a present from "Santa," can often feel inadequate or undeserving. You and your child can start a toy collection at your child's school or church to provide presents to families in need. This can teach your child that giving is just as rewarding as receiving.
Animal shelters have a plenitude of dogs and cats without permanent homes. They often suffer depression due to the lack of attention and exercise required to lead happy and healthy lives. By volunteering at an animal shelter with your child, you can spend time with dogs, cats and possibly other animals, petting, brushing and taking them for walks. This can teach your child to respect animals and their quality of life--they too need attention and comforting, as do people.