Volunteer Work for a teenager...

Do you have an animal shelter in your area? I don't know any kid that wouldn't love to be around animals, but some of the volunteer work there may not be all glamorous (cleaning cages, etc). Some communities have developments for those 55 and older. If you have one in your area, there is probably a good number of things he could do to help people out there - walk dogs, weed flower beds, sweep walkways - who knows what else. Does he like books? Maybe your local library could use some help.

If I ruled the world I would have him paint the side of a building or a fence or something either on public property (by arrangement with the authorities, of course) or even the private property of some nice old person of limited means. If there is a wall with graffiti on it somewhere, painting over that would not only restore the appearance of an unsightly landmark, but might help him to form an opinion about the character of people who mark up other people's property ;-) Good luck in finding an appropriate activity.

How about serving meals for Thanksgiving at one of the homeless shelter. If he likes animals, he can volunteer at a facility that has animals.

Does it have to be with an organization? One great thing that he could do is go around to elderly peoples' houses and offer to cut their lawns for them. I heard about a guy that does that full time I think in Florida or something. It's a great way to help people, but it wouldn't work in the winter time. In the winter, I suppose he could offer to shovel snow for older folks if you live in an area where it snows. If he needs proof of the time he spent on those jobs, maybe he could print out some pages that you could cut into slips that have a place for you to fill in how many hours he worked and have the person sign it and give their phone number for the teacher or school to verify it.

i thought of a food bank. i know the one here has volunteers. i bet they could use a strong 14 year old. also have about shopping for the elderly or doing things like yard workor whatever they need. i bet they would certainly appreciate it.

I worked at a domestic violence shelter all through high school doing activities with the kiddos. It was a lot of fun and it was great to give the kids something to look forward to. Habitat for Humanity also may be a good option. Find a local church that runs a food and clothing closet and offer to help out. They can always use an extra hand. How about visiting a retirement home and befriending a "grampa" who doesn't get many visits? Sometimes all they need is someone to listen or maybe even read them the newspaper that their eyesight doesn't allow them to do anymore. There's a few ideas for you. Hope it helps!

How about the Humane Society. Calling the Golden Age Center and volunteering to do some odd jobs for the elderly or for them.

We have summer volunteens at the library. Since he is the shyish sort, maybe library would teach him to shelve books, or something like that. I think it is great that they teach community in that way. Way to go.

I have always been an animal lover and when I was 12 years old I started volunteering to work on school vacations at our local vets office. I loved it so much I continued doing it for years. As I mostly worked with animals who were either boarded or in the hospital he could do that without being bothered by his shyness.

[i]Hi koalatbs, Does he like animals? If he does try the animals shelters. Also, you try asking your local police dept. If that does work, look in the internet, for volunteer work around your area. hope this helps. take care[/i]

Hi Koaltabs, What about contacting a local age concern place and get him to volunteer to go shopping or do some gardening or odd little jobs for some of the elderly on their books. He could also contact charity organisations to see where he could be of help, the National Trust here in the UK are always looking for people even if it is to just pick up litter or sweep leaves. Good luck with finding something for him. Huggles. Ellie :D

Well if you can see your son as a candy striper im sure there are tons of other places the hospital cn use him in. For instance i volunteer with red cross and from time to time theyll hold a blood drive and im just there taking patients in and handing out snacks; more than often happens at a hospital. I also usd to volunteer at my school where a teacher ran an after schol program for students that were falling behind in classe. Those are pretty speicifc ideas but im sure you can find some no profit organiztion in your area your son would like to volunteer at.

Hi Koalatbs, Why don't you ask him where would he like to work? what is he enterested in? could work in a shop or some sort/ Tamara

Does he like animals? My Granddaughter volunteers for a Veterinarian. He may be able to work in a school or hospital. Many other places have internships that are not paid.

I think anything for the homeless like working in a food kitchen or working in a food storage warehouse would work. Maybe some animal shelters need help. I would think that the school would have suggestions, since they are the ones requiring it. Some libraries have programs to help the foreign language people learn english, or read to the children.

I don't know how things work for you there in the United States. Over here in India, things are different. Most parents are not open to volunteer work or paid work for their kids. I wish though that they would open their eyes are let go of their kids so that they learn to be independent and learn the other side of life. My niece, during her break, volunteered at the Zoo. She was more than satisfied. And the staff just loved her there. She gave her heart and soul to the work. Visitors were actually tipping her. She felt awkward at first, but they would force her. So she had to accept and would give the money to people who needed it. The people around were sorry to see her go. She had to, to pursue her studies. The other work that he could take up is to sit with the not so lucky kids. He could spend time in Orphanages. Here he would not have to be shy of them at all. They would definitely accept him for his shy nature. And he if does not mind, the old age homes. I'm sure they would love to have a child around them. I'm happy you are letting your son go ahead and do volunteer work.

He could try local animal shelters and volunteer his time there. We also have a program here where volunteers help take food to people that can't get out of their homes during the week and on the weekends. He could help family or neighbors with yard work or walking their dogs or maybe even doing some things inside the home for them (if he knows them good enough or if you are willing to be there with him).

How about an after school program, he maybe shy with kids his age or adults but with little ones..he may shine, he can lead them in games or read stories to him. this may help build his confidence and give him leadership skills. The SPCA is a given, now here is a real fun one....find a guide dog organization in your area. They need people to home socialize puppies -- I am talking 5 or 6 week old puppies. They give you food and classes and all of the supplies. When we did this we got them on Friday afternoon and returned them on Sunday or Monday. HE could get his 20 hours done in one weekend and have fun doing it too.

How about the humane society? Both my girls did their community work for school at our local shelter and they loved it and great if you are shy and not afraid or allergic to cats or dogs..

Hi, from what country are you? I have a volunteer work in mind that is spiritually rewarding....have you heard of GAWAD KALINGA? You can go to this website and check it out....www.gawadkalinga.org. You too can volunteer to help. God Bless!!!