We are always excited when we hear that kids (with or without input from their parents) want to help Dragonfly. Due to the compromised health of our patients, it is often challenging to have young kids volunteer around our Dragonfly families. (We also have concerns about the safety, adequate supervision, and the emotional readiness of children.) With this said, there are many ways that kids (and their parents, teachers, etc.) can support Dragonfly, indirectly and directly. Here are some of them:
- Be good and kind, especially to our Dragonflies!
- Look for ways to make your home, school and community a better place.
- Don’t look away when you see a need or see someone who needs help, understanding or compassion.
- Find opportunities to help before you are asked (empty the dishwasher, open a door, carry a package, clean your room, etc.)
- Tell everyone you know about us! Someone you know has time, talent, resources or connections we don’t have! (Think about all the people you know: teachers, relatives, neighbors and friends!)
- Donate new toys (especially modeling and play dough-type compounds, board games, dolls, etc.), DVDs, video games, puzzles, art kits, batteries, etc.** Please note that everything must be NEW and in its original packaging.
- Donate gas cards and gift cards (especially iTunes, Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger gift cards!!)
- Try some FUN-raising and fundraising (be sure to make signs that read: “Benefitting The Dragonfly Foundation!”) at home or at school
- Start a walk/run event around your neighborhood
- Use Dragonfly’s mobile fundraising platform to easily set up a personal support page in a matter of minutes! Share it to raise awareness or for fundraising. (Text WINGS to 71777)
- Hold a coin drive or gift card drive
- Hold a yard sale or car wash
- Babysit, dog walk or do yard work – Ask parents if they will match what you earn!
- Ask your teacher if your school can hold an Ugly Tie contest.
- Students decorate ties, lay them out on display for a week. Put a jar by each tie. A quarter = 1 vote. At the end of the week, the tie with the most votes will be worn by the Principal every day for 1 week. Ask teachers to wear the other ties!
- Ask your favorite restaurant to hold a fundraiser for Dragonfly (e.g. donate 15% of sales, round up receipts, etc.)
- Collect used sports equipment from neighbors, friends, and family. Turn in what you collect to a reseller and donate the money back to Dragonfly.
- You already get grades at school – Use them to benefit a charity! Ask your parents to donate to Dragonfly for every A you get!
- Have a birthday coming up? On the invitations, you can write, “All birthday gifts will be donated to The Dragonfly Foundation! Thank you!” (New, unopened toys (no stuffed animals or books) and gift cards make a huge difference in the lives of Dragonfly families!)
- Attend and support a Dragonfly event (See upcoming events listed on the event calendar at Dragonfly.org.)
- Help us distribute event flyers. It’s an easy way to make a big difference! Help distribute our fliers or make your own to give out to local businesses (be sure to get our approval before you distribute them, okay!).
- Consider forming a team of friends to participate in a walk/run for Dragonfly
- Make posters thanking people for coming to Dragonfly events
- Read updates on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and tell your family about them! (We are very busy bees. Lots of stuff happening all the time!)
- Ask your friends and family to donate unused event tickets to Dragonfly families – we will gladly take them even at the last minute!
- Find out if someone you know has a connection to a celebrity? Ask if they might help us!
- Ask your parents if they would put a Dragonfly bumper sticker the family car (remember, ask first!). (Be sure to wave at cars that have them! The people in the cars will also wave back at you!)
- Check out our videos on YouTube
- Share your ideas with us!! We’d love to learn other ways kids can help Dragonfly, be kinder and more compassionate to our Dragonfly families, and be more supportive of the community!
We promise to make you and your family proud to be a part of Dragonfly!