Young individuals who have opportunities to serve in the community can reap many benefits from their efforts. A University of Nevada Cooperative Extension fact sheet states that youth who volunteer just one hour or more a week develop essential life and communication skills, are more likely to do well in school, graduate and vote; and are 50 percent less likely to use drugs. Youth have many opportunities to volunteer in the community.
Hospitals and Care Centers
Hospitals and nursing homes are always in need of volunteer assistance. The Family Education website suggests that you contact the volunteer coordinator of your local hospital. Youth can always assist in tasks such as "stocking nursing supplies, transporting patients with a nurse, making some pharmacy deliveries to nurse departments, bringing books to patients, sitting and talking to patients and reading to patients," explains the site. If the youth are musically or artistically inclined, they can prepare a musical presentation or skit to perform for the patients.
Food and Clothing Drives
Throughout the year, youth groups can organize and participate in food and clothing drives that benefit local food banks, shelters and charities. The Charity Guide website explains that you can hold food and clothing drives for people with specific needs. For example, homeless teens are typically in need of sturdy shoes, hygiene items, canned foods and bottled water. Contact local stores and businesses that would be willing to let you set up collection boxes, tables and advertisements. You can also get school groups involved by holding food or clothing drive competitions between grades and awarding the class that has the most food donations with a special gift or party.
Cleaning the Environment
Getting youths involved in cleaning up and taking care of the environment can provide a unique opportunity for them to be more active and conscientious about taking care of and appreciating nature. Contact your local Department of Transportation for specific details about adopting a highway for litter control. The Department of Transportation typically provides garbage bags, safety vests and gloves for the youth. You can also help by contacting a local nature center and participating in beach cleaning, mountain trail combing and river cleaning, depending on your location. With more than 400 National Parks in the country, the U.S. National Park Service is always looking for volunteers to help.
Books on Tape
Many children in hospitals and shelters are short on entertainment and intellectual stimulation. You can organize a books-on-tape project and donate the items to a local children's shelter or hospital. Collect donations of children's books that are in good repair and sturdy. Also collect CD or tape players. Organize a day or night when the youth can read these books onto a recording device. They can then donate the books on tape as well as the players.
Mentor Programs
Provide youth with opportunities to teach other students. You can help organize after-school mentoring or tutoring programs for disadvantaged or special-needs children. Speak with your school's administration on how to properly and effectively organize a solid mentoring program that focuses on students with particular needs. The youth can also volunteer to teach other students skills outside of academia, such as musical instruments, dance, sports technique, hair dressing, gardening and cooking.
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