Civic-minded kids of all ages are looking for ways to make a difference in their community and the world. In the past volunteer opportunities were available only to teenagers. This is gradually changing as more grade schools introduce service projects into their curriculum and youth groups like 4-H, the Girl Scouts and the Cub Scouts increase their emphasis on activities that serve their communities. The key is finding age-appropriate activities that educate kids while supporting a good cause.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Animal shelters often need dog walkers
There are many ways for kids to help at animal shelters, although some organizations require that volunteers be at least 13 years old. Shelters often need people to walk dogs, play with cats, clean cages or feed the animals. Young people could also organize a food or supply collection for the shelter. For example, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Sacramento, Calif., suggests that youth groups organize a campaign to collect old newspapers for animal bedding. In its "Official Kids Fundraising Manual," the Erie County SPCA suggests that kids make toys, treats or fleece beds for the animals, and includes instructions and recipes for making these items. Petfinder.com has a search engine to help you locate animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area.
Sell Lemonade for a Cause
Kids across the United States have found that the humble lemonade stand can raise thousands of dollars for charity. After recovering from brain tumor at age 10, Reid Colliander, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, started Reid's Lemon-AID Foundation in 2005 to raise money for brain tumor research. He sold glasses of lemonade at events like his village's Independence Day Parade, eventually raising $9,000 for his cause. On a weekend in March 2009, 8-year-old Victoria Petrucelly and her friend Jesse Theobald raised $24,000 for cancer research by selling pink lemonade in Orlando, Florida. Lemonade recipes, posters, sales trackers and other helpful information are available for download from the Sunkist and C&H Sugar websites.
Entertain at a Children's Hospital
A puppet show cheers up hospitalized children
A simple musical or theatrical performance can brighten the day for children who are recuperating in the hospital. Each hospital may have specific guidelines on the type of entertainment it allows and the minimum age of volunteers, so inquire with the hospital's community relations or volunteer department before planning your project. Some possibilities include puppet shows, vocal and instrumental musical performances or a short play or skit. Even if the hospital does not accept volunteers under age 15, younger kids can cheer up a sick child from a distance. For example, an 11-year-old could record himself reading his favorite book, then give the recording to the hospital to share with children who may love books but feel too sick to read.
Hold a Charity Carnival
Bust-the-balloon is a simple, fun carnival game
Charity carnivals were popular in the 1960s and '70s when kids organized these backyard events to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Young organizers would invite neighborhood friends to the carnival, which would include nickel games like sponge toss, bingo and bust-a-balloon. Kids would often sell refreshments like lemonade and popcorn, too. Some carnivals included talent shows or fortune tellers. The MDA reintroduced its backyard carnival program in 2005, although this concept could be adapted for any charity. Kids can obtain a free planning kit from the MDA that shows them build simple carnival booths, find and set up easy games, obtain donated prizes and food and much more. Tickets, signs, fliers and posters can be downloaded from MDACarnival.org.
