Five Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in Boston this Summer

Where are the volunteers today?  Thought leaders around the internet seem to enjoy railing against today’s “self-absorbed” Gen Z. for being plugged in yet disconnected from the real world, consumed by selfishness and selfies, great at texting but horrible at face-to-face interaction.

Thankfully, though, these rants aren’t all true.  In fact, according to the Millennial Impact Report, today’s teens and young adults are involved, engaged and committed.  84% made a charitable donation in 2014, the year of the study, and 70% spent at least an hour volunteering for a cause that they care about. They give their time and their talents in all kinds of surprising and creative ways, and go out of their way to support the causes they’re passionate about.

If you’re looking to volunteer, now’s the time! With summer almost here, there are lots of great opportunities for teens like you to volunteer in the Boston area, from helping the hungry, to supporting women in need, to improving the lives of children, and so much more!  Here are five ways that you can give back to your community this season, and earn valuable volunteer experience as well:

1. Harvest Food Pantry

• What they do: Serve individuals and families in need of food and clothing.
• How you can help: Set up the pantry, help with distribution, work at the registration desk and the stock room.

2. Cambridge Women’s Center

• What they do: Provide women with resources and support they need to emerge from conditions of domestic violence, poverty, and discrimination.
• How you can help: Childcare, fundraising, marketing, and outreach, provide IT support, and help with maintenance and cleaning.

3. Room to Grow

• What they do: Help babies born into poverty.
• How you can help: Organize toy collection drives, help make play materials for babies, and keep play spaces maintained.

4. Cradles to Crayons

• What they do: Provide children living in homeless or low-income situations with essential items.
• How you can help: Inspect, sort, and package all new and like-new donations into customized “KidPacks”.

5. Friendship and Flowers

• What they do: Visit folks who live independently and in assisted living facilities.
• How you can help: Visit an elder who lives in an assisted living home.

Still looking for a volunteer opportunity that matches your particular passion?  No worries! Go to KidsThatDoGood.com and use our search engine to find more volunteer opportunities in your area.