Finding ways for kids and teens to volunteer in our community is a challenge. Age restrictions, scheduling conflicts and competing interests make it hard. We all know the benefits of creating a “helpers habit” with our kids, but sometimes figuring it all out means it doesn’t get done. The Service Collective is a new non-profit supported by the Fund for the City of New York and they partner with local non-profits to set up and facilitate service projects for a variety of ages, schedules and interests.
- 10/13: Fill the Fridge (Age 8+). We’ve had two of these so far and the kids loved it. Both events ended up having waiting lists so sign up soon if yours want to help cook! Partners: Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge and Downtown Friendly
- 10/15: Help move furniture and household items into homes for newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees. Light furniture assembly will also be required. Partner: Ruth’s Refuge
- 10/16: Kitchen drive and bake sale to benefit recently arrived asylum seekers and refugees (All ages with guardian, 8+ without). You can sign up for the kitchen drive and come and do crafts (we are making pot holders and painting seedling pots as housewarming gifts!) and/or for the bake sale. Partner: Ruth’s Refuge
- 10/24: Grocery Shopping for Homebound Seniors (training session) This is an info/training session only. This volunteer opportunity is flexible and can be done on your own time/schedule. Sign up to learn more! Partner: Heights and Hills
- 10/24: Help a local senior with their ipad or iphone (training session) This is an info/training session only. This volunteer opportunity is flexible and can be done on your own time/schedule. Sign up to learn more! Partner: Heights and Hills
- 10/27: Flower arranging for Brooklyn Hospital (Age 8+): Help recycle event flowers into gorgeous bouquets to brighten someone’s day! This event is $10 to help cover costs of refrigeration and transportation of the flowers + floral arranging teachers. Partner: Bloom Again Brooklyn
- 10/29: Plant Tulips in Cadman Plaza Park (all ages with guardian): This is a hit for the whole family! We love watching the blooms pop up come Spring. Come out! Partner: Cadman Plaza Conservancy
Kids: Most are drop off for kids 8+ and located in our neighborhood
Teens: Designed for upper middle and high schoolers who are searching for a meaningful way to help more independently and gain needed volunteer experience often required by schools and internship programs.
Family: Mostly on weekends, these projects get all ages involved and allow parents to do some volunteering, too
The October schedule is registering now and they will launch November and December soon.
