Make It a Meaningful Summer
Joan DiPiero
By Joan DiPiero
Community Engagement Coordinator
Summer may bring trips to the beach, park district ball games and backyard barbecues, but it can also be the perfect time for families to do good for their community.
This summer, we encourage you to add some fun, community-centered activities to your plans. Whether it’s helping clean up your local playground, participating in a food drive or planting flowers in your neighborhood, these experiences can teach children the value of teamwork and giving back.
Take advantage of great weather, soak up some Vitamin D and volunteer with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Team activities include removing invasive species from walking trails and collecting seeds to propagate prairies, all while learning about native plants and natural areas in our county. Neighborhood walks can morph into fun clean-up campaigns. Take a photo of your family flashing five fingers and the five pieces of litter they picked up and share it on Facebook, X or Instagram with the hashtag #PickUp5 or create a TikTok video and spread the word!
Add a special house guest this summer by fostering a dog, cat or other small animal through a partnership with DuPage County Animal Services.
Volunteering doesn't have an age limit. Involve grandparents, neighbors or other community members to create meaningful multigenerational connections. Younger people can learn valuable life lessons from older generations, while everyone works together to strengthen the bond of community. DuPage Senior Citizens Council offers opportunities to assist seniors with household chores, gardening or just making friendly visits.
Looking for more ideas? Partner with COD Cares. Peruse volunteer opportunities on our website or share ideas via email.
Get involved
Reach out to COD’s Community Engagement at contactus@cod.edu.