My daughter's Girl Scout troop had this same issue a few years ago. And, you're right, many places would not let children that young volunteer even with parents there, sometimes because some of the people in the shelter were registered sex offenders & could not be that close to children. There is a shelter downtown Joliet but I can't remember the name of it. They did allow children (with parents/leaders present) to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day. My daughter's troop ended up not doing it because with all the girls that were going out of town for the holiday, there wouldn't have been enough left to volunteer. They may allow children to volunteer on other days by now as that was a few years ago. My daughter's troop did "Feed My Starving Children" as well and then just collected food to donate to a food pantry at Thanksgiving. I didn't think of this at the time, but maybe you could check with some churches to see if they need extra help. I know some of them offer meals at times to people in need in the community. My daughter's troop did cook meals a few times at Ronald McDonald House. I know that isn't quite the same as a food pantry but it is an option. The troop also sponsored a family each year at Christmas at a local church. I know one year they actually bought gifts for the children (received wish lists ahead of time) and another year donated money for a family with a sick child (cancer, I believe) that was planning to take one last family holiday trip before chemo started. They also decorated & filled stockings one year for a battered women's shelter. They didn't get to actually meet the families at the church or the women at the shelter but seeing what was on the wish lists (mittens, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc.) helped them see that not everyone lives like they do; rather than asking for toys or fun items, these people were asking for items many of us just use everyday & take for granted. I think it's great that you're teaching the girls the importance of volunteering & helping others at such a young age. I'm sure it will be rewarding for the girls. Good Luck finding a place!
