Work with teens on a community service project.
Teen community service projects instill a sense of accomplishment in the kids involved. They see the impact of their efforts on a local level, which often inspires them to continue assisting in local areas of need. Encourage teens to develop a community service project around their interests and passions. Established charitable organizations also offer teen volunteering opportunities.
Clothing Drive
Collecting clothing is a task that teens can easily organize and coordinate. Many local shelters accept clothing donations any time of year. Other organizations collect coats and shoes for kids as winter approaches. The teens can identify a local organization to assist with the clothing drive. This helps them narrow down the type of clothing they need to collect.
Similar drive ideas also work well for teen volunteers: Ask a local children's hospital or homeless shelter if they need toy donations, help coordinate a food drive for a local pantry, or collect toiletries or items needed for deployed soldiers.
Shelter Activities
Local homeless and battered women's shelters often need volunteers as well as donations. Check with the shelter staff to determine their needs for special programs. The teens might put on a puppet show for the children in the shelter or provide babysitting services so mothers can look for work. The teens can volunteer to serve a meal or clean the shelter. Each shelter will have different needs, but this community service project can help the teens appreciate their own lives while gaining empathy and helping out others.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters provide community service options for teens. The animal shelters often need volunteers to help care for the pets. Teens might take dogs for walks, clean out cages or simply play with the animals. This option is ideal for teens who love animals or who aspire to work with animals in their career.
Work With Kids
Mentoring younger students is beneficial for both parties. The teens share their knowledge and feel good about helping out a younger child, while the child creates a bond with someone older who can be a good role model.
One-on-one mentoring is one option for a community service project. For a larger scale project, work with a local community center to develop a class for youngsters. The teens plan and teach the classes. Encourage the teens to choose a class subject based on their own hobbies or interests. This might include art, music, sports or other areas.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an established organization providing many volunteer options. The program rehabilitates and builds homes in the community for low-income residents. Teens can participate in community clean-ups and possibly building projects, depending on their age. Check with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity to determine which projects teens can help with.
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