It Takes A Village

The volunteer commitment looks different for everyone. Some people give their time, some people give monetary or planned gifts. Some people have been volunteering for years across different programs and others come for specific programs. Whether it’s been passed down through family generations or becoming a new tradition, the hope and sense of community our volunteers provide youth is irreplaceable.

“Just knowing that this is directly helping my community, seeing the results in my community, make volunteering worth it. Helping people I hadn’t known were struggling and making the neighborhood better,” expressed one frequent volunteer.

Hoyleton takes a holistic approach to meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of youth and families, which provides numerous opportunities for volunteers to lend a helping hand. Below is a selection of ways to get started.

Clerical/Office Assistance

Staying organized is a priority for keeping an office running smoothly. Volunteers assisting with filing, phone calls, bilingual assistance, and general office duties help our staff work efficiently and effectively.

Hike & Bike and Trivia Nights

Churches and community organizations across Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, and Washington counties hold events throughout the year and give the proceeds to Hoyleton. The annual Hike & Bike is a 5K, 10K, and half marathon that donates earnings to fund specialized programs for our youth. Trivia Nights are an option that let groups have fun while volunteering and meeting new new people. Various events are shared on social media and our events page.

Back to School

Each year, kids pick up their new backpacks stuffed with pencils, notebooks, markers, and more just in time for the new school year. Our volunteers help us ensure that every child has the supplies they need to be successful in school by donating supplies, stuffing backpacks, and helping with the picnic for kids and parents.

Hope for the Holidays

For most, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but for some of the youth and families we serve, the season can be difficult. HYFS makes it our goal that every child in our care has a gift to open during the holidays. Our annual Hope for the Holidays drive urges our donors and volunteers to get involved by donating, shopping from the wish list, and wrapping presents.

It Takes a Village

Over 127 years, our team members, programs, and locations have changed, but our mission has stayed the same: to help children and families build brighter futures so our communities can improve and become stronger for everyone. We cannot achieve this mission without the compassionate efforts of all our volunteers and donors. If you are searching for a way to get involved, check out our volunteer page or contact Christy Schult at cschult@hoyleton.org

Fall Family Activities

Now that the stress of finding the perfect Halloween costume for your kid is over, you can focus on spending quality time with your kiddos before the business of the Christmas season kicks off. Sometimes, it can be challenging to travel far with kiddos, so here are some fun (and inexpensive) fall activities you and your family can enjoy together!

Halloween Candy Exchange
Friday, November 1, 2019 | The Lode Indoor Wave Pool | 4 – 8 PM
Cost: FREE with registration and 1 pound of candy donated by each registrant

The purpose of this event is to help families be healthier this Halloween and trade their candy for a pass to The Lodge Indoor Wave Pool on November 1. Where does the candy go? To the USO of Missouri for our troops. This is an event that you will want to register for, because it may sell out!

Autumn Harvest Festival
Saturday, November 2, 2019 | Eckert’s | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: FREE

This is an event fun for all ages! Your family can enjoy apple picking, along with free activities and rides for your kids. No registration required.

Sensory Saturdays

Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Saint Louis Zoo | 9:30 AM

Cost: Tickets for Sensory Saturday and all Wild Wonder Outpost sessions are $2 per person for Zoo members and $3 per person for non-members. Children under one year are free. 

Sensory Saturday sessions feature dimmer lighting, reduced sound and a sensory-break area with fidgets (self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming, and active listening), pillows and other accommodations. Zoo staff members are experienced in working with children with special needs.

Free Family Night @ MADE

Friday, November 15, 2019 | The Magic House –on Delmar Boulevard | 5 – 8 PM
Cost: FREE

This is a night free of charge for you and your family to get together and enjoy some fun! The free admission is up to two adults and four of their children.

The Great Green Adventures
Saturday, November 16, 2019 | Missouri Botanical Garden | 10:30 – 11:30 AM or 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Cost: FREE for Garden members or $3 per child (with Garden Admission) for non-members

Great Green Adventures are drop-in activities that explore a special part of the Garden each month. You and your child will learn about plants, nature and green living through hands-on activities, journaling, stories, and games. This is an event that you do not have to pre-register for!

We hope you’re able to enjoy some fun fall activities with your family this year! While doing so, remember you are creating memories with your children that your family will cherish forever.