Eyes Wide Open

Wag The Tail
Most non-profit organizations cannot function without the support from volunteers, and the Animal Rescue League of Southern RI is no different. Teens 14 and older are encouraged to help the cause by donating their time to help care for pets, most of which have been previously abused or abandoned. It’s a great way for older kids to gain some hands-on volunteering experience while prepping animals for a permanent home.

Feed The Community
The Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale’s mission is a big one: to end hunger in our community. It certainly will take a village to tackle such a vision, and that’s why the food pantry is looking at teenagers to pitch in. Teen Jonnycake has a variety of opportunities – from stocking shelves to sorting food and clothing – that allows your children to be a part of the solution. 

Get a Warm and Fuzzy Feeling
Westerly Area Rest Meals – also known as the WARM Center – knows that the best way to teach kids about the importance of volunteerism is to let them experience first hand how their efforts impact the lives of others. Volunteers at the center and soup kitchen are encouraged to bring the little ones along to help. To do it on your own time, have your kids help you prepare a meal at home to donate to the soup kitchen. 

Scout Things Out
The Boy and Girl Scouts are about more than cookies and summer camp – the organizations focus on empowering kids and teaching them the importance of service to others. Think community service projects and volunteering with charity organizations and the elderly. But all of that is secondary to what’s clearly the most important part of your kids being scouts: easy access to all of those cookies.

Teach Them to Live Green
For us, living a greener lifestyle can take effort to learn and implement those changes. With your kids, though, you have an opportunity to establish earth-friendly habits early on that will last a lifetime. The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living in Coventry is focused on that kind of education, offering programs to teach kids about preserving the environment through hands-on activities and games. Getting to explore the 55 acres of edible landscapes and nature trails doesn’t hurt, either.

Book It
Ever wonder how the library stays so tidy? House elves, obviously. Really, it’s thanks to volunteers of all ages. The Peace Dale Library lets kid helpers get in the organizational act. Sixth graders plus are encouraged to lend a hand after school in the Children’s Room by shelving books and straightening up other items. Wouldn’t it be great if this new sense of organization trickled down to their household chores? 

It’s a Generational Thing
There are no better lessons to learn than the ones that come through the wisdom of elders. Youth volunteers are welcome to help around the South Kingstown Senior Center during school and summer vacations. From playing music and making crafts to showing seniors computer tips, it’s a unique way for generations to swap life lessons.

Reduce and Reuse
Being eco-friendly is about more than using plastic containers and putting your soda cans in the recycling bin – it’s also about creatively repurposing what you already own and reducing your consumption of the world’s resources. Kids in 7th-12th grade are welcome to volunteer at the Earth Day Yard Sale at Hazard School Field in South Kingstown. The April 27 event brings together anyone in the community who wants to sell their extra stuff, and volunteers are needed to help set up and breakdown.