In 2004, 15.5 million kids between the ages of 12 and 18 volunteered more than 1.3 billion hours. Did you know that children do more volunteering hours than adults? In 2004, 55% of young people volunteered compared to 29% of adults. What are the kids volunteering to do? Food drives, clothing drives, backpack drives, visiting the elderly and shut-ins, penny drives for local charities, awareness presentations at schools and religious organizations, town clean ups, helping neighbors, walk-a-thons, bake sales, growing vegetables for food pantrie and much more. Some children have even started their own nonprofits: Katie's Krops, LemonAID Warriors, Goodie Goodies, Lady Bug Foundation, Alex's Lemonaide Stand, Kids Saving the Rainforest, and Cards for Kids.
Spread the word! Here's an easy, free way to make a difference every day: The Hunger Site.com. Just click a button and you can help feed the hungry. There are also tabs on top that take you to similar affiliated sites: The Child Health Site, The Breast Cancer Site (funds free mammograms), The Literacy Site (free books), The Rainforest Site, and The Animal Rescue Site. They make the money from the advertising, so try to click on the ads as well sometimes.
The Youth Programs department at Habitat for Humanity International seeks to engage the imagination, energy and hope of young people, ages 5 to 25, worldwide in order to productively and responsibly involve them as leaders in the work of Habitat for Humanity. Youth Programs believes that youth are not only the future of Habitat—they are also doing amazing things today! Visit the website for more information.
One of the best ways you can support the needs of millions of children is by advocating on their behalf before one of the most powerful institutions in the world—the U.S. Congress. Visit the website for more information.
WWF is running a new, global volunteer programme for a select number of young people. Visit the website for more information.
The website has articles, book reviews, and free printable activities.