Where can a 13 year-old volunteer?

When my daughter was 13 she asked the guidance counsellor for permission to assist the janitor to clean windows and empy trash cans. She phoned several store managers telling them she was picking up trash around their stores and requesting they send a worker or two to help her. They did! She talks to elderly neighbors and helps them with vacuuming, raking leaves, etc. Sometimes she walks dogs or pet sits when people vacation. She's helped cleaning stalls at the horse farm that provides riding to special needs kids. She's sorted clothes at the local Goodwill. You say you don't know any neighbors. It might be a good opportunity to meet a few by going door to door and introducing yourself and offering any services that might need. You could develop some great older friends and support systems thru them too. Best of luck to you!

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See if a daycare will let you stop by after school or early mornings before school to read a story to the kids.

Nursing homes are great too. Some of the elderly have no family and you can visit anytime that fits into your schedule. Put some smiles on faces and maybe even make a new friend.

Ask your parents to call The American Red Cross, and hospitals perhaps they will take a 13 year old, if not, tell you mom to ask them if they can recommend an organizaiton that will accept you. Your mom should also look in the Yellow Pages and call the Nursing Homes. Goodwill, Salvation, Army. Did you call the hospitals? You will have to be more resourceful if you want to complete your volunteer projects.

Start with your guidance counselor at school. I am sure your age may prevent you from volunteering on certain facilities. You may want to start a blanket, shoe or coat drive. A young man in Philadelphia started a coat drive which was very successful and continues today. Volunteering encompasses time and energy given for the cause.

If you live near a zoo you could always try volunteering there. You also might be able to volunteer at a day camp or sunday school or your church.

Check for additional opportunities with your local volunteer center. Most volunteer centers have additional resources for youth volunteers. Your local volunteer center is Volunteer Jacksonville:

http://www.volunteerjacksonville.org/index.htm

Give them a call, and they should be able to give you some guidance.

I live in jacksonville also, and worked in the eldery car. They love to chat with the young and tell stories. I recommend a nursing how.

Try your local library or the hospital.

The hospital in your area could probably use a volunteer. You could deliver newspapers to patient rooms, work in the gift shop, or maybe even answer the phones.