Get Involved

BrightRoots thrives because of the generosity, energy, and commitment of our community. Whether you have time to volunteer, resources to donate, a business looking to make a difference, or simply a desire to stay connected, there are many meaningful ways to support the children and families we serve. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us strengthen our programs and extend our reach to more families who need it most.

Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of BrightRoots. Each year, more than 200 community members donate their time and talents to help us deliver programs, run events, and maintain our facilities. We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and we match each person with opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and availability.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

• Classroom Assistants: Support our early childhood educators during morning or afternoon program sessions. Help with activity preparation, small group facilitation, outdoor play supervision, and classroom cleanup. Commitment: 2 to 4 hours per week for a minimum of one semester. Background check required.
• Workshop Support: Assist with setup, registration, childcare, and materials distribution during parent and educator workshops. Ideal for volunteers with flexible Saturday morning availability.
• Family Resource Library: Help organize, catalog, and maintain our lending library of books, activity kits, and developmental toys. Great for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working independently.
• Event Volunteers: Lend a hand at seasonal events including our Spring Family Festival, Back-to-School Bash, Holiday Giving Drive, and annual fundraising gala. Roles include event setup, activity stations, food service, photography, and guest registration.
• Administrative Support: Assist with data entry, filing, phone calls, mailing preparation, and other office tasks that keep our operations running smoothly. Flexible scheduling available.
• Garden and Facilities: Help maintain our outdoor learning garden, playground equipment, and building grounds. Seasonal work days are scheduled quarterly, and ongoing help is welcome.
• Mentor Program: Experienced parents can volunteer as mentors for newer families, offering peer support, sharing resources, and helping families navigate the transition into BrightRoots programs.

To apply, complete our online volunteer interest form or contact Marcus Thompson, our Community Outreach Manager, at volunteers@brightroots.org. All volunteers receive an orientation, relevant training, and ongoing support from our staff.

Donate

Financial contributions directly fund the programs, materials, and staffing that make BrightRoots possible. Because many of our core programs are offered at no cost to families, donor support is essential to sustaining and expanding our work.

Ways to Give

• One-Time Gift: Make a single donation of any amount through our secure online portal or by mailing a check to BrightRoots, 123 Learning Lane, Maplewood, ST 12345.
• Monthly Giving: Join the Roots Circle, our monthly giving program, and provide steady, predictable support that helps us plan ahead. Monthly donors of $25 or more receive quarterly impact updates and an invitation to our annual appreciation dinner.
• Legacy Giving: Include BrightRoots in your estate plans through a bequest, charitable trust, or beneficiary designation. Contact our development team to discuss planned giving options.
• In-Kind Donations: We accept donations of gently used children's books, art supplies, educational toys, diapers, cleaning supplies, and office equipment. A current wish list is available on our website and updated monthly.
• Matching Gifts: Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check with your HR department to see if your company participates in a matching gift program and potentially double your impact.

BrightRoots is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors receive a written acknowledgment for tax purposes.

Sponsor a Family

For $500, you can sponsor a family's full participation in BrightRoots programs for an entire year. Sponsorship covers enrollment in early learning sessions, parent workshop fees, developmental screening, take-home activity kits, and access to the family resource library. Sponsors receive a thank-you letter from the family (with their permission), a year-end impact summary, and recognition on our donor wall unless they prefer to remain anonymous. Family sponsorships make meaningful gifts for holidays, birthdays, and memorials. Group sponsorships from civic organizations, faith communities, and school groups are also welcome.

Learn More about Sponsoring a Family →

Corporate Partnerships

BrightRoots partners with local and regional businesses that share our commitment to strong communities and healthy families. Corporate partnerships are customized to align with each company's goals, budget, and culture.

Partnership Opportunities

• Program Sponsorship: Underwrite the cost of a specific program, workshop series, or community event. Sponsors receive logo placement on program materials, social media recognition, and invitations to program events.
• Employee Engagement: Organize team volunteer days at BrightRoots, sponsor employee participation in our mentor program, or host a workplace giving campaign.
• In-Kind Services: Companies can donate professional services such as graphic design, printing, catering, photography, IT support, or facility maintenance.
• Cause Marketing: Partner with BrightRoots on a co-branded campaign that raises awareness and funds while demonstrating your company's commitment to social responsibility.
• Table or Event Sponsorship: Sponsor a table at our annual fundraising gala, or underwrite a specific community event such as the Spring Family Festival or Holiday Giving Drive.

Current corporate partners include regional healthcare systems, financial institutions, technology companies, and family-owned businesses. For more information about partnership opportunities and benefits, contact Marcus Thompson at partnerships@brightroots.org.

Events

BrightRoots hosts several signature events throughout the year that bring families, supporters, and community members together.

• Spring Family Festival (April): A free outdoor celebration featuring live music, children's activities, a resource fair, food trucks, and program enrollment opportunities. Held at the BrightRoots campus and open to the entire community.
• Back-to-School Bash (August): A school readiness event with backpack giveaways, kindergarten preparation activities, developmental screenings, and family resources for the upcoming school year.
• BrightRoots Annual Gala (October): Our premier fundraising event featuring dinner, a silent auction, live entertainment, and program impact presentations. Proceeds support scholarships and program expansion.
• Holiday Giving Drive (December): A community-wide collection of gifts, winter clothing, and household essentials for BrightRoots families. Drop-off sites are hosted at partner businesses throughout the region.
• Week of the Young Child (April): A national celebration of early childhood education, observed at BrightRoots with special classroom activities, family events, and community advocacy efforts.

View Full Events Calendar →

Newsletter

Stay connected with BrightRoots by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, The Root Report. Each issue includes program updates, upcoming events, family tips, educator resources, volunteer spotlights, and stories from our community. The newsletter is delivered by email on the first Monday of each month. You can subscribe through the form on our website or by texting ROOTS to 55555. We respect your privacy and will never share your email address with third parties. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Ready to get involved? Contact us at hello@brightroots.org or call (555) 123-4567 to find the opportunity that is right for you.