DOes anyone know of any free volunteer programs abroad?

Does anyone know of any volunteer programs for 14-year-olds around Gilbert, Arizona that would be fun?

• Answer:

  I'm not sure about your particular community, but here are some ideas. If you like children, there are daycares and preschools who could use an extra pair of hands. Summer day camps for children (call your local elementary school to see who runs yours) might be happy to have you come in and read to the 5-8 year olds. The Sunday nursery at your local church has babies and toddlers you could play with. Bigger churches need more help. Many churches have a Vacation Bible School program. If you see a sign advertising their program, call that church and ask who coordinates their volunteer helpers. If you aren't crazy about little ones, call the library and see if they need help shelving books. Call the city hall or mayor's office to see if there is a community festival coming up that could use extra help. Call your church secretary and ask her if there are elderly or hospitalized church members who need their yard mowed or weeds pulled. People in nursing homes always welcome visitors. Can you play piano for them, play checkers, or just visit with a smile? Animal shelters might like someone to come in and play with the pets, or take them for walks. (There may be age requirements on this - ask them!) Start with your heart. What do you like to do? Thank you for caring!