The invitations for the ballet-themed birthday party had scalloped edges, a decorative ribbon and a unique message: In lieu of gifts, the birthday girl requests that donations be made to the scholarship program at her ballet studio.

Paula Fernandez de los Muros worked with her daughter Paloma to turn her sixth birthday fete into a way to help others.

''I just want her to realize there are a lot of people in this world that need help,'' Fernandez de los Muros said.

Moms and dads often struggle with how to best instill compassion in their children and the importance of giving back. That's especially true for parents of elementary and middle school kids, for whom volunteering opportunities aren't as apparent.

But chances to teach by doing abound in South Florida, experts say. It may take a little creativity and perseverance to find the best opportunity for your family.

Expose kids to the idea of giving by getting them involved in small projects around the home, said Dr. Gary Lancelotta, coordinator of Pediatric Psychology for Baptist Health South Florida.

Have them clean out their closet once a year and give their clothes and old DVDs to children at an area hospital, he suggested. Or have your child accompany you while you pick up the mail for a neighbor who is sick, or out of town.

Parents can also do what Fernandez de los Muros did -- encourage a child to dedicate a birthday party to raising funds for those in need.

''I don't think it's ever too early to know that you are doing something for other people and are getting nothing in return except that you made that person's day,'' Lancelotta said.

Kids naturally have an instinct to help, said Kathy Saulitis, senior director of Kids Care Clubs, a project of the national Points of Light Institute, which encourages volunteerism.

''Think about babies: They want to share their food with you. If somebody gets hurt, they cry, too,'' she said. Though kids won't be able to understand larger issues like poverty until elementary school, planting the idea about the importance of giving is important.

For parents who want to start their own project, at home or at school, the Points of Light Institute lists age-appropriate ideas on its website. For example, starting a litter patrol at school lunchtime is a good way to get elementary-age students engaged. Having them organize a schoolwide recycling program is beyond their ability.

Here's what happened when a group of fifth-graders at St. Philip's Episcopal School in Coral Gables got together: The boys were interested in running for Student Council, but there weren't enough positions available for all of them. So one mom suggest they form a club and do a volunteer project.

The 10 kids, who named their group the Boys With a Plan, voted to raise money for St. Alban's Child Enrichment Center in Coconut Grove, a Head Start preschool program. They collected goods for a garage sale and sold Valentine's Day bouquets at school -- raising a total of $1,300. The boys then also went to St. Alban's to play with the students.

''I think they learned that they can make a difference, and that they can relate to these children that don't have the same advantages in life that they do,'' said Lucy Atherton, whose son Alec was involved. ``It was a great lesson for them to learn. It wasn't just like asking to give pocket money to some unknown cause.''

Hands on Miami and Volunteer Broward offer one-day volunteer jobs for the whole family. Visit their websites and search under the term ''family-friendly.'' A one-day event may spark interest in a longer-term commitment.

Many agencies post age limits for kids accompanied by an adult. Bringing children younger than 6, Hands on Miami CEO Pat Morris says, means parents will likely spend more time chasing after their kids than actively participating.

CHILD'S INTERESTS

That's how 13-year-old Hannah Hobbs of Parkland got hooked on volunteering. When she needed to fulfill 20 hours of community service for an honor society at her middle school, Hannah looked for an opportunity to work with horses.

She found Tomorrow's Rainbow, a Coconut Creek center that uses miniature horses to help kids who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Once a week, Hannah rakes the stalls and grooms the horses. She fulfilled her requirement in early May, but has continued her work.

She even used her birthday money to buy the horses a new halter and lead rope, and handed an envelope to Executive Director Abby Mosher with $68 in singles and change and note that said ``from Hannah and her sister from the lemonade stand for the horses.''

''I like to be around the horses,'' said Hannah, whose favorite is a lively 2-year-old named Precious. ``And I get to help with the program.''

DON'T FORCE IT

Atherton, whose eldest son was a member of Boys with a Plan, also volunteers with her family at a homeless shelter. Once a month, their church group throws a birthday party -- with pizza and games -- for the kids there. Her 11-year-old loves it. Her 8-year-old isn't interested yet.

''He wants to eat the pizza first, rather than give it out,'' Atherton said.

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