At Westford Academy, students must get at least 40 hours of community service, as many colleges require it and although it is no longer a graduation requirement, it is recommended. From playing with animals to volunteering at homeless shelters, there is a wide variety of options for WA students to give back to the community and expand volunteering experience in Westford and beyond.

1. Helping at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen

Although Westford does not have a soup kitchen or food pantries many surrounding towns do.

Friends of Boston’s Homeless is an organization that provides homeless men, women, and children with food and shelter. Volunteers can help to connect the people of the community and help to find a solution to homelessness. Chelmsford Community Exchange is also an option as it donates food for the less fortunate.

 2. Spending some time at the Senior Center

In Westford, students can volunteer at the Cameron Senior Center to spend time with the elderly and improve their quality of life. This center supports the elderly’s independence and encourages them to become involved with the community. Students can play games with the elderly, entertain, and much more.

3. Volunteering with veterinarians

For students who are animal lovers, there is an abundance of volunteering opportunities in Massachusetts. Volunteers can clean, feed the animals, help to aid with the adoption process, educate and interact with visitors and much more. Nashoba Valley Veterinary Hospital in Westford and Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Chelmsford are both highly rated Veterinary Hospitals in our area.

4. Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts

Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts provides furniture, free of charge, for families in need that are trying to make a home. Volunteering opportunities range from moving the furniture to scheduling meetings with clients.

Volunteers that help with the Donations Assistance unload, sort, and record new items. The Clients Assistance are volunteers who help clients move their donations and sort them. Volunteers involved with client appointments schedule times that are helpful to the client by email or phone. Administration answers phone calls from any concerned clients or any questions.

5. Lowell Alliance for Families and Neighborhoods

The Lowell Alliance for Families and Neighborhoods supports families and communities by promoting empowerment and diversity. The LAFN builds strength in the relationships of communities and families. By sponsoring community events such as school gatherings and neighborhood groups, the LAFN is able to maintain their work for the community. Students can help by raising awareness for the NAFN and helping to find places to sponsor.

6. The Food Project

The Food Project is an organization that encourages young people by engaging them in personal and social change through sustainable agriculture in the towns and cities of Beverly, Wenham, Lynn, Boston, and Lincoln. Every year they work with 120 teens and thousands of volunteers to farm 70 acres of land across many towns and cities. Whether volunteers want to learn more about agriculture, help grow and maintain a stable food supply, they can go to The Food Project for opportunities such as these.

7. Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting the nature of Massachusetts to benefit the people and the wildlife. There are many choices across the state including assisting at visitor services, gardening, marketing, and beyond. Mass Audubon also offers group volunteering with large projects every year such as helping a family redo their home.

8. Coaching Kids Sports

Older students who have experience in a sport such as basketball or soccer can coach elementary aged students. Crisafulli as well as many other schools in the area offer this to high school students. Students can contact the coaches of the sports at the Crisafulli school to see if there is any assistance that may be possible.

9. YMCA

The YMCA promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibilities. YMCA volunteers give everyone the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure. Students can participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors, raise funds to ensure the YMCA is accessible to all members of the community, and more. Students may help with younger children at the YMCA in Lowell and other locations near Westford.

10. Helping at the Library

The JV Fletcher Library offers volunteers a chance to assist librarians with shelving books and generally help out around the library. The Blanchard Library also offers high school students the opportunity to shelve books for community service after or during school.

11. Volunteering for Political Campaigns

From delivering lawn signs, to cleaning the campaign office, there are many choices for volunteers that are interested in politics. Campaigns get calls and emails from supporters who want signs around town and students can help to advertise for these campaigns.