Holiday Volunteer Opportunities for High Schoolers
The holidays are a perfect time for students to volunteer for (or lead) service opportunities. Here are some ways students can get involved with their communities (click the links for more information about each organization).
Nationwide
Toys for Tots organizes toy drives all over the U.S. Students can collect toys and use the website to find drop boxes in their neighborhood. They can consider organizing a location to be a drop-off spot.
Best Friends supports shelter animals across the country, offering both volunteer and foster opportunities for students.
Volunteer at a food bank. Feeding America has volunteer and donation information for food banks nationwide. They also have instructions for planning a canned food drive.
Room to Grow makes it easy to host a collection drive for baby and toddler items. Items can be shipped to their locations in New York or Boston from anywhere.
The American Red Cross offers nationwide volunteer opportunities for youth to support public health efforts in their communities. High school students can also access resources for starting a Red Cross Club and organizing blood drives at their school.
Interested in supporting local housing initiatives? Students can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes through construction projects or support retail operations at affiliated ReStore thrift shops.
New York
Organize a NY Cares coat drive. Students can collect coats from friends and neighbors and drop them off at different locations in New York City. They can put drop boxes in their buildings or other locations.
Host a food, toiletries, or clothing drive for the Bowery Mission. Teens can also put together Practical Care Kits. Make sure to consult their list of accepted items.
City Meals on Wheels has volunteer opportunities ranging from card and letter writing to kitchen help and meal delivery.
Support LGBTQ+ homeless youth by organizing a toiletries drive for New Alternatives.
Want to help animals? Students can volunteer at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City to help care for animals, assist with shelter operations, and support pets awaiting adoption.
There are many other organizations doing wonderful work. Students should investigate different opportunities and decide which organization is right for them.
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