Give kids books that describe how service can help other people and make them feel good about themselves. For instance, select books such as "Parsley" by Ludwig Bemelmans, which tells the story of an old twisted tree that saved an old stag's life from a hunter. In addition, share with them the book "Story of the Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dyke, a story about a man who stopped to help a dying man and thus missed his journey to see the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy but ended up blessed in the end.
Take the kids to a family member or family friend whom they can help by performing an act of kindness around the house or yard. For example, if the child has a bedridden grandmother, encourage him to spend a day helping her with activities such as washing the dishes, folding the laundry or doing other house chores. Allow the kids to bake cookies and an easy supper dish for a neighborhood resident who is sick and cannot cook for herself.
Take kids to a site at which they can volunteer in their community. For instance, visit a local homeless shelter and serve breakfast or dinner meals two to four times a month with the kids, allowing them to follow your example. Take your kids to an annual community event to help pick up trash along neighborhood streets to help beautify the area as well.
Tell your kids to join school initiatives to serve the community such as participating in a yearly food drive for local food shelters. Encourage children to help tutor other kids who need help with homework in the school library one day a week or participate in school fundraisers to raise money for a community organization.
Contact national initiatives that exist with the specific purpose of getting kids involved in service projects in their locality. For instance, allow your kids to join Kids Korps USA, which gets children ages 5 through 18 involved in community service activities. Consider also getting kids involved in Youth Service America, which additionally gives them the opportunity to serve in a variety of ways, such as planting trees.