Volunteering is one example of how teenagers can give back to their communities, gain new experiences, and build their transcripts for college. They can be looking to help others, exploring a potential career, or just trying to make a difference. These new and unique service opportunities offer something for everyone. There are a variety of opportunities, with most of them being near Westford. Here are the top 11 service opportunities for teenagers this year.

1. Senior Centers

Spending time at any local senior center not only brightens the day of elderly residents, but also provides a chance to form meaningful relationships with people who have had more life experiences. Volunteers can assist with daily activities like playing games, hosting arts and crafts sessions, reading to residents, or even helping with transportation.  Many seniors deal with loneliness and the presence of others can make a huge difference in their lives. Volunteering also teaches patience and communication, especially when interacting with older people. A great senior center in Westford that is always looking for new enthusiastic volunteers is the Cameron Senior Center. If you want to find out more about what they do you should check out their website. 

2. Libraries

Libraries provide the community with many important resources, and they have way more than just books. By volunteering at a local library, like the JV Fletcher Library in Westford, students can help with a range of tasks. They can organize and shelve books, assist with children’s programs, help host storytime, or help with other big events. For teenagers with a love of books, this is a rewarding way to contribute while sharpening organizational and teaching skills. The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that fundraises and gathers volunteers to support the library. If a student wants to volunteer, they can go to the following link to find out more information.

3. Hospitals

Hospitals have numerous volunteering opportunities for high school students. Volunteers can help deliver meals to patients, assist patients in waiting areas, organize medical supplies, or support hospital staff in various departments. Although these often involve a more in-depth application that can involve writing essays, students who are thinking about going into medicine or nursing can gain insight into the healthcare industry and develop a deeper understanding. It also looks good on college applications for students who plan to go into college on a Pre-Med track. Emerson Hospital is a good option because it takes earlier volunteers ages 14 and up and is close to Westford.

4. Animal Shelters

For high school students who love animals, volunteering at an animal shelter might just be a dream come true. Shelters need volunteers to walk dogs, clean kennels and crates, play with animals, and help with social media to encourage adoptions. Volunteers may also get to assist in organizing fundraising events or participating in adoption drives. Working at a shelter teaches responsibility and compassion, and volunteers directly contribute to the well-being of animals in need and help them find forever homes. An amazing animal shelter to volunteer at who would love the help is Happy Tails Pet Rescue a non-profit organization entirely run by volunteers located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Be sure to visit their website for more information.

5. Homeless Shelters

Homeless shelters are very crucial parts of communities, as they provide shelter and other services to families facing homelessness. Teenagers can help with meal preparation, clothing and food drives, or even work with individuals on skill workshops. Volunteering at homeless shelters can be a great experience, because you can make a direct impact on someone’s life. A nearby homeless shelter is House of Hope Inc in Lowell, MA.

6. Farms

Volunteering at a farm might sound a bit unusual at first, but volunteering at farms really just gives high school students a chance to connect with nature and contribute to growing healthy food for the community. While volunteering at a farm, volunteers might have to plant, harvest, or even work with animals. Volunteering at farms is a unique way to learn more about agriculture. A local farm that accepts volunteers is Parlee Farms. Volunteering here consists of taking plastic and cardboard to recycle and picking out flowers.

7. Coaching Youth Sports

Anyone who has a passion for sports should give coaching youth sports a try. Teen volunteers can help organize practices, teach skills, or serve as assistant coaches. It is an excellent opportunity for teens looking to build their resumes or explore careers in physical education, sports management, or coaching. There is a program called WA Teammates, they actually volunteer and partner with young athletes and cheer them on in their games.

8. Soup Kitchens

Soup kitchens are essential for helping individuals and families who face food problems. Volunteers will assist by preparing meals, serving food, organizing donations, or cleaning up after meals. Aside from these tasks, volunteers gain a better understanding of struggles people face in their communities. A soup kitchen always looking for volunteers is Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter. Another great volunteering place is the Westford Food Pantry, but they only accept volunteers 18 and older.

9. The American Red Cross

Any high school student that is interested in emergency services for public health should definitely look into the American Red Cross. Volunteers can help out with blood drives, disaster relief efforts, or help organize fundraising events. Volunteering with the Red Cross allows students to contribute to national and global relief efforts while learning about emergency response, public health, and crisis management. The nearest Red Cross location is in Lawrence, MA. There is also a Red Cross Club at Westford Academy. If interested in joining, then definitely check out their instagram @waredcrossclub.