Volunteering is a great way to help out your community.
Volunteering can be hard work, and can also take up time, money and energy. Volunteering can even be a little scary, but it can help us see and do new things. Teens have many ways to help out in their communities, and in turn, make the world a better place. Volunteering makes people happy, and in turn, makes us feel happy about ourselves.
Gift Baskets
Make gift baskets for the homeless or those in need. Include essentials such as toothbrushes, shampoo, combs, etc. Place the toiletries among healthy snacks or other trinkets. Focus mostly on what would be necessary. Pass these gift baskets out to homeless shelters, or give them to the homeless in a neighborhood under the supervision of an adult. The gift baskets can also be donated to a homeless shelter.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a great way to help the community, with many opportunities existing to help the public youth. Post fliers offering free help to students in need in an area of your expertise. Offer to help teach younger students read at elementary schools. Focus on what you consider to be one of your strengths, and try to help someone struggling in that area. English is often a problem subject for foreign exchange students, so consider mentoring these students as well.
Baking
Oftentimes, the work of firefighters and police officers goes unnoticed. Consider baking a variety of treats and bring them to local police departments or fire stations. Make sure to bring enough for everyone at the station. Also consider asking the officers and firefighters to present a drug awareness or safety presentation at a local school.
Clothing Donations
Ask neighbors in the community if they can spare to donate any used clothing. Also try putting ads in the newspaper or fliers in surrounding communities asking for used clothing donations. Gather the clothes and donate them to a local shelter.
Environmental Help
Look for an outside area that has been heavily littered and try to clean it up. Feel free to gather additional members of the community if the job is too big for one person. Try looking for trash in areas with a lot of human traffic, such as rivers, beaches, or in parks. Plant gardens or trees in neglected areas, or try creating a habitat for wildlife.
Letters for Vets and Overseas Soldiers
Writing a letter to an overseas soldier can make a world of difference. Explain to them that you respect and thank them for serving the country in such an honorable fashion. This is also a great way to make pen pals and new friends.
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