Five Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in Los Angeles this Summer

Linksters and Millennials are often described as the most self-absorbed generations in history.  True? Or are teens actually looking for volunteer opportunities while no one is watching?

Writers in all corners of the internet are fond of complaining about today’s teens, bemoaning a self-absorbed Gen Z that’s linked up but disconnected from the analog world, consumed by selfishness and selfies, adept at texting yet unable to deal with face-to-face interaction.

But myth doesn’t match with reality.  In fact, according to the Millennial Impact Report, today’s teens and young adults are involved, engaged and committed.  84 percent 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 talents in all kinds of surprising and creative ways, going out of their way to support the causes they’re passionate about.

Are you a teen looking to find a way to volunteer?  Now that school’s out, there are lots of great opportunities for teens to volunteer in the Los Angeles area, from helping take care of patients in a hospital to raising awareness for animal abuse to fighting hunger, and so much more. Here are five ways that you can give back to your community this season, and get valuable experience as well:

1. Children’s Hospital

• What they do: Provide pediatric health care to more than 111,000 children each year
• How you can help: Work directly with patients by playing board games, reading, or assisting in hospital playrooms

2. Evidence of Love Animal Care

• What they do: Assist “evidence animals” (animals that are victims of an animal cruelty case) living in city and county animal shelters by placing them with their forever families
• How you can help: Raise and donate funds, donate items, raise awareness, and/or foster animals

3. Food on Foot

• What they do: Distribute food and clothing to the homeless and poor
• How you can help: Distribute clothing and food in the city

4. No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA)

• What they do: Provide spay/neuter services to increase adoptions, help find homes for about dogs and cats.
• How you can help: Pet care, promotional work, administrative work, and event staffing

5. Dogs of Service

• What they do: Provide military members with service dogs free of charge
• How you can help: Raise and donate funds, donate items, and participate in service events

Still looking for a volunteer opportunity to match your particular passion?  Go to KidsThatDoGood.com and use our search engine to find more volunteer opportunities in your area.