With school starting again, many students are applying for clubs and leadership positions, most of which have a prerequisite of volunteer hours within the community. This can be extremely overwhelming for local teens if they have never volunteered before, but in a large district like North Penn, there is an abundance of opportunities available.
Manna on Main Street, an organization located in downtown Lansdale, is a food pantry and soup kitchen centered around ending hunger in the North Penn region. They are looking for volunteers to assist in food preparation/service, as well as food distribution. Volunteering at Manna on Main Street is fairly simple, as their only requirements are that the volunteer wears closed-toed shoes, any long hair is tied back and/or secured under a hat, and that they are over the age of 13.
The animal rescue, located in Skippack, is centered around caring for sick, injured, stray, and abandoned animals and finding them a stable, forever home. Normally, volunteers help with feeding, shows, adoptions, and many other events. Although it is not required, it is highly suggested that volunteers work at least once a week for months at a time so that they can maintain a consistent schedule, however, if this is not possible, teens can still volunteer by contacting the rescue before signing up.
Mitzvah Circle, located in Norristown, is an organization that strives to help local families in need by providing them with items that are not covered by government assistance. These items can include but are not limited to, toothpaste, deodorant, and diapers. There are three ways to volunteer at Mitzvah Circle. The first way is donating. To do this, students can hold a collection for anything from gently used clothes to school supplies, and drop it off at Mitzvah during their donation hours. The second way is to attend a volunteer session. During these sessions, volunteers work to pack boxes for families depending on what they ask for. Anyone over the age of 6 can participate. The third, and final way to volunteer is to become a Teen Ambassador. Mitzvah Circle holds a training every December as an opportunity for high school students to get more involved in their organization. During this training, teens learn to lead a group of volunteers and are able to gain hours not only for the training but also for leading groups throughout the rest of their academic careers.
With a high school as big as North Penn, there are opportunities provided by our school as well. Many of these are run by Key Club, an international organization whose mission is to promote leadership and community service.
#1: Walton Farm Trunk or Treat
Walton Farm, a North Penn elementary school, is holding its annual Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 26 from 6:15-7:45. This event is open to any North Penn Key Club members. Volunteers will be asked to run games for the attendees.
#2: Scoogie Events
Scoogie events are family-friendly, community-driven running events that occur at a number of locations between North Wales and Lahaska. Volunteers are always needed to encourage the runners as well as work stands at the start/finish lines. Key Club members can sign up here, otherwise, students should email [email protected].