“Mom! There’s nothing to do around here. I’m bored!” It’s only July, and already mothers across the City are hearing those dreaded words. Youngsters are tired of the swimming pool, tired of bicycles and tired of baby sitters.
So what’s a kid to do?
Why not play “go fish” with some senior citizens? Draw pictures for patients in local hospitals. Spend time petting and grooming some furry friends. Sort clothes or food at a homeless shelter.
Nonprofit agencies have hundreds of volunteer opportunities for youths of all ages.
Volunteering is a great way for children to spend the summer. Youths can learn about the current issues facing their community – homelessness, illiteracy, physical disabilities and others. They can learn new job skills and explore career opportunities. Youth volunteers also achieve a sense of pride and responsibility for a job well done.
Polly Miller, volunteer coordinator for Family Gateway Center, appreciates the value of her youth volunteers. Teenagers 14 years and older serve the Downtown center by tutoring, planning parties, playing games with children, serving food, assisting with field trips and sorting clothing.
“They bring vibrancy and energy to the center and make any project fun,” Miller says.
She believes it is important for youths to volunteer because “it instills early in life the principle of giving back to your fellow man.”
When considering a volunteer job, youths should first consider their own interests. Sports, art, child-care, medicine and animals are interests that could be utilized in a volunteer setting.
For example, high school athletes can coach teams of younger children at local recreation centers. Youths can choose skills or talents they would like to share with others and then find nonprofit agencies that need those skills.
Time commitment should also be considered when looking for a volunteer position. Some agencies require weekly commitments, perhaps two hours per week, while others offer short-term and one-day projects. Special events are ideal for volunteers who cannot contribute on a regular basis.
The Volunteer Center’s computer database contains information about hundreds of youth volunteer opportunities. Call the Volunteer Center, 826-6767, and tell a phone counselor your interests, availability and location. They will search the computers and find the perfect summer volunteer job. (We have opportunities for mothers and fathers, too.)
Here are some of the many summer youth opportunities available:
TIME TO PARTY! Love For Kids, an agency providing events for underprivileged children, needs volunteers for a July 19th party for terminally ill children. Youths, age 15 years and older, can help the children with arts and craft projects or take pictures of the guests.
CLOWNING AROUND. Children who have always wanted to join the circus can become volunteer clowns for the American Red Cross. Volunteers, age 12 years and older, can dress in clown costumes and perform safety skits for other children.
ARE YOU A LITTLE CRAFTY? Youth groups and individuals can put smiles on the faces of Parkland Memorial Hospital patients. You can make finger puppets, draw pictures for food trays or do other craft projects for the patients. This is an ideal opportunity for children who want to volunteer at home.
BINGO: Nursing homes throughout Dallas need youth volunteers to call bingo, play games, provide entertainment or read to residents. Seniors love visits from enthusiastic children. Minimum ages vary.
HISTORY BUFFS can give tours of the Sixth Floor exhibit for the Dallas Historical Society. Volunteers, age 16 years and older, can learn more about the Kennedy assassination as they show the exhibit to out-of-town visitors and other guests.
Volunteers are needed for the “Catherine the Great Exhibition” July 4-Nov. 29 at the Centennial Building in Fair Park. Volunteers needed for the display of 18th-century Russian artworks and artifacts include assistants at the information desk, administrative, gallery and tours. Call Nancy Nelson, director of volunteers, at 565-4465.
