Community Service Ideas for High School and College Students

Volunteering is a great way to get to know people and to help others in your community. Helping someone can help you feel better about yourself as well.

Whether you're required to do community service hours or just want to make a difference in someone's life, here are some ways you can volunteer in your spare time.

Become a hospital volunteer; also known as a "candy striper." Many local hospitals bring on teenage volunteers for the summer. You can do anything from working in the hospital gift shop, preparing charts, or running errands for the staff. These are simple tasks and you will not be required to do anything degrading or physically impossible. You will probably be at the hospital for three days a week for about three to four hours each day.

If you're an animal lover, you may consider your local SPCA or other animal shelter. You may clean cages, feed animals, or walk the dogs. While this work isn't exactly glamorous, you will be able to interact with the many animals that are in need of a loving home. You could even find yourself wanting to take one home.

Consider spending time with a child through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs helps kids who come from troubled families (such as a single parent) by giving them a mentor who will be able to do spend time with them each week. A community program and an after school program are available for interested volunteers. The application process is lengthy as you will need references, an interview with a caseworker, and go through a background check. If you get past all that, you may form a loving relationship with someone who needs you.

Look into volunteering at blood drives sponsored by the American Red Cross. You will be able to help in minor ways such as signing in blood donors and passing out refreshments after people have finished donating. Sometimes, you may only need to give up an hour or two of your time.

Prepare care packages for the troops in Iraq. You can go by yourself or with a group to buy items for the packages, and then pack them into boxes later. Some great items include small snacks, personal care items, puzzle books, or fictional reading material. A great way to personalize your package is to have everyone write an encouraging letter to the soldiers.

Volunteer to help out at your local church service. Churches need people to assist with communion, read lessons, and pass out bulletins; among other things. If you're musically inclined, consider joining your church choir. There may be extra practices or training to go through, but in most cases, all you need to do is give your name and availability to a volunteer coordinator.

There is no shortage of ways you can help out in your community. All it takes is a little research and willingness to give up some of your free time. Volunteering is also an activity that you can do for the rest of your life so there should be no shortage of opportunities that interest you.