Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 14, 2014 Ideal volunteer opportunities for youngsters According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statis- tics, roughly 64.5 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2011 and September 2012. While those statistics do not include children under the age of 16, that does not mean youngsters cannot lend a helping hand and chip in as volunteers. For many youngsters, exposure to volunteering oppor- tunities begins with Mom and Dad. In fact, the Corpora- tion for National & Community Service notes that a youth from a family where at least one parent volunteers is nearly twice as likely to volunteer as a youth from a family with no family members who volunteer. Youngsters are often enthusiastic about volunteering, and that enthusiasm only increases when kids find the right volunteer opportunities. The following are a handful of places that typically have volunteer opportunities tailor-made for youngsters who want to give back to their communities. Nature cleanup: Many children love to spend time in the great outdoors, making a local beach or park cleanup an ideal way for kids to volunteer. Kids can join large groups to clear beaches and parks of litter and debris, all the while spending a few hours outdoors in the sun. Such projects also keep kids on their feet, providing a healthy dose of exercise for youngsters who may not be into organized sports. Soup kitchen: While soup kitchens may not be best suited to younger volunteers, middle school students and high school students can learn a lot when volunteering at neighborhood soup kitchens. Kids can accompany parents on weekend mornings, preparing and serving food to the less fortunate in their communities. Soup kitchens may open youngsters’ eyes to the reality that not everyone is as fortunate as they are, instilling a sense of obligation to the less fortunate that can serve kids well for the rest of their lives. Nursing home: Residents of nursing homes may expe- rience newfound vigor when getting a visit from a child. Parents can contact local nursing homes or retirement communities to learn about volunteer opportunities for children. Many facilities encourage local youths to read to residents whose vision might be fading, and some facili- ties even host arts and craft projects where youngsters are paired with elderly residents. Such activities make great opportunities even for younger volunteers, who can often connect with elderly men and women in ways that younger adults cannot. Animal shelter: Local animal shelters and veterinary hospitals often have ample volunteer opportunities avail- able to youngsters with a love for animals. Some shelters may not allow kids under the age of 18 to have direct con- tact with the animals, so parents should inquire ahead of time before dropping kids off at the shelter or animal hos- pital. Garden centers: Kids who have shown a knack for gar- dening might be interested in volunteering at the local garden center or nursery, where they can learn the basics of gardening, including planting, watering, and grooming, from trained professionals. Some cities even host garden- ing programs geared specifically to teenagers who want to learn more about the environment and how to plant trees and flowers. Religious organization: The Corporation for National & Community Service notes that many youths are likely to volunteer through a religious organization. Such organiza- tions tend to encourage their younger members to give back to their communities, and many are involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities aimed at kids of all ages and interests. Parents can contact the religious organization to which they belong or another organization in their commu- nity to learn about any affiliated volunteer opportunities for children. These experiences can expose kids to an array of volunteer activities and help kids make new friends. Children often make great volunteers. Finding the right volunteering opportunity for a youngster can foster a love of volunteering for years to come.