Numerous volunteer jobs are available to kids of all ages.
Kids who become involved with volunteering learn valuable lessons in kindness and generosity and learn that anyone make a difference in the world. Practically every cause is in need of volunteer support, whether the volunteers are young or old. Volunteering can include anything from joining an international club or organization to simply baking cookies and delivering them to a sick neighbor.
Trash Removal
Kids and their parents can make an impact on their community by volunteering to pick up trash around their neighborhood. This does not require being part of a larger group; therefore, the days and timing are up to the family. Kids can pick up trash at local parks, playgrounds and beaches. Parent supervision is a good idea, depending on the age of the children.
Helping Low-Income Familes with Repair/Renovation
For older kids, helping with repairs and renovation allows them to engage with other members of the community (perhaps those they would not meet otherwise). Simple jobs such as painting, removing debris or holding a bucket of nails while an adult swings a hammer are some of the tasks available. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org) arrange all the specifics (dates, times, locations) and simply require families to sign up ahead of time.
Food Banks/Soup Kitchens
Many churches and other organizations in communities across the United States arrange food banks for those less fortunate. Kids can participate in activities such as prepping items to be cooked, handing out food and washing dishes. By using Feeding America's website (feedingamerica.org), you can search for a food bank in your area.
Volunteering with Animals
Kids with a fondness for animals can volunteer at a local pet shelter. The animals appreciate the extra attention and dog shelters often employ volunteers to give them exercise in the form of daily walks or playing in a dog run. In addition, The Humane Society runs a program titled "Mission: Humane" allowing young people to help animals in need. For more information, visit kindnews.org/Mission_Humane.
Support a Cause
Kids with an interest in a specific cause, such as poverty, human rights or the environment, can look through a list of volunteer organizations at The World Volunteer Web (worldvolunteerweb.org) to find one they might be interested in supporting. The site leads kids to each listed organization's Web page, where details and contact information can be found.
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