Now more than ever, there is a need for people to give back to others and community non-profits. It can sometimes be challenging and overwhelming to start. A lot of thoughts can go through your head. I am not familiar with local organizations in my community. Who do I help? How? Can my children and teens get involved? Here are some great tips to begin a meaningful summer of service.
Tip 1 Pick a cause, any cause…
There are many great ways to give back to your community. It might be helpful to find out what causes speak to you and decide how you want to make a difference. Here is a sample of causes to choose:
Older adults
Children/teens
Hunger
Education
Environment
Homelessness
Special needs
Advocacy
Veterans
Bullying
Animals
Domestic violence
Diversity
Poverty
Disabilities
Mental Health
Awareness
Tip 2 Decide which project you would like to conduct…
Are you interested in giving back virtually, collecting and donating items for others, hands-on community service or raising funds for non-profits?
Virtual Opportunities
With the advancement of technology, virtual community service experiences have gained popularity and you do not need to leave your house.
- Volunteer Match – Family Dinner Kits, Cards for Veterans
- Catchafire – Skills-Based Volunteer Matching-Social Media Audit
- CovEducation – Mentoring
- Idealist – Sewing, Boys and Girls Club-Reading, Teaching a skill video
- Advocacy Anywhere
- Online Tutoring
- Teenangels – Fight Cyberbullying
Collections/Drives
Maybe you’ve been inspired to clean out unused items in your home. Community organizations are collecting items for people in need. Contact local social service agencies or visit their websites to see what items they are accepting. You can also reach out to your network and let them know you are collecting items such as food, school supplies, paper products, feminine hygiene products or baby and children supplies. An Amazon.com wish list is also another great and easy way to collect items in a contactless way. Remember, before you collect, ask your selected agency about any specific needs or requirements for products they are currently accepting.
Hands-on Community Service Projects
The best way to find out about these opportunities are to visit an agency’s website, contact the volunteer coordinator and follow non-profits on social media. Due to COVID-19, these in-person opportunities can be limited, so check with the agency to see what opportunities are available.
Fundraisers
Bake sale
Bike ride
Book sale
Bowl-a-thon
Car wash
Dog walk
Dress down day at work
Garage sale
Golf tournament
Karaoke night
Lemonade Stand
Pancake breakfast
Zumbathon
Instead of hosting a party, ask for donations in honor of a milestone celebration – bar or bat mitzvah, birthday and/or anniversary
Tip 3 Seek resources to continue brainstorming ideas of fun and meaningful projects.
JFCS will be hosting two virtual service opportunities for teens in grades 6-12.
- Sunday, July 26th, 1 PM – Come learn about school supply needs in our community and ways you can help others start the school year off right.
- Sunday, August 9th, 1 PM – Create your own challah at home with Challah for Hunger at Princeton. Learn about food insecurity and the community organizations who are working to address it.
These programs are open to the community. Registration is required, click to sign up now!
For more information, contact Celeste Albert at celestea@jfcsonline.org.
To learn more about other service project ideas, visit:
Celeste Albert, LCSW (Teen Program Coordinator) & Dana Waitman (Intern)
