Horizons builds Playspaces — real playrooms — inside family shelters across Massachusetts, and staffs them with trained volunteers. Playspace shifts are an adult commitment; book, toy and supply drives are where kids come in.
Founded in 1988 by the co-founders of Bright Horizons, Horizons for Homeless Children installs and maintains Playspaces — proper playrooms, not a corner with a bin of toys — in family shelters and domestic violence programs across Massachusetts. Each one is built for children ages 0–6 and includes an infant area, a literacy area, arts and crafts, manipulatives and dramatic play. Every room is staffed by trained volunteers, and the organization also runs a free, full-time early education program in Roxbury for children living in shelter.
Be realistic about who does what. Playspace shifts involve unsupervised time with vulnerable young children: they require training, a screening and a multi-month commitment, so they are an adult role, not a family outing. What your kids can do is collect what the rooms run out of — picture books, art supplies, developmental toys — and deliver it. That's a genuine contribution and a good conversation to have with a six-year-old.
If you have a teenager looking for service hours, contact Horizons directly and ask which group projects are open; don't assume a shelter placement is available.
More: all kids' volunteering in Greater Boston · Birthday Wishes and Christmas in the City for projects younger kids can join.