You can make a big difference by volunteering. A volunteer is someone who freely gives their time to help out. Giving to others actually gives you something back—it feels great! There are lots of places that could use a kind and energetic person like you. Think about what interests you. Do you like working with people, animals, younger children, senior citizens or for the environment? Ask your parent to help you do a little research on the computer about volunteering. Better yet, ask them to volunteer with you. Check out books on volunteering opportunities at your local library and look in the
local newspaper.
Volunteering not only helps the community, it’s fun and a great way to meet new friends. Get your classmates, Girl Scout troop, club, sports team, neighbors, church, or family involved, too.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Pick a date, make fliers, bring rakes, trash bags, garbage cans, recycling bins and gloves. Just an hour or two is all it will take until you’ll see a difference.
Imagine providing dinner for families who cannot afford a healthy meal. Food drives help stock pantry shelves for people in need.
You’ll instantly feel fantastic knowing you’ve helped someone out.
Are you good in math, reading or science? Offer your skills to help a student who could use extra help. Ask your teacher or principal if they might be able to pair you with another student who needs more practice.
Help out at a retirement home. Do you have a talent for reading aloud, singing or playing an instrument? The residents might be delighted to hear you perform.
Pennies add up! Collect coins at your school or church and donate them to a special cause—a children’s hospital, the local animal shelter or someone in the community who needs help.
Most of us put on socks every morning without even thinking about it. But for homeless people, new socks are a luxury. Begin a sock collection and give comfort to folks who can really use it. Winter hats, scarves, gloves or mittens are also needed at many homeless shelters.
Thank the people who do good work in the community. Send a letter of
thanks or bake cupcakes (like Jenny and Lucy did) for the fire department
and the police department, or for the postal carrier or librarian.
Your kindness is sure to bring tail wags from furry four-legged friends.
Write letters or send care packages to soldiers who are far from home.
There are endless ways to raise funds for a cause that’s close to your heart. Host a lemonade stand and get a friend to play their violin to attract attention. Sell tickets to a teachers versus parents championship baseball game. Organize a walk around your school’s track and ask sponsors to donate money for each lap walked. Put on a play and donate the proceeds. Have a yard sale or bake sale.
