Serve for Good

Volunteer Opportunities for Houston Teens

East Houston

THE BIRTHDAY JOY PROGRAM

What Is It?

A nonprofit dedicated to bringing birthday parties to children in homeless shelters, group homes, & other disadvantaged situations in Harris and Galveston counties.

Help Needed:

Help host birthday parties in Houston, LaPorte, Liverpool, and Texas City; collect gifts or other party supplies; assemble goody bags, make decorations.  Please contact Birthday Joy for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

14 independently; younger children may volunteer with a parent. Parents must sign a waiver for volunteers under 18.  

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THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

What Is It?

A comprehensive crisis intervention and prevention center whose services include a 100-bed emergency shelter, transitional housing for women, permanent housing for adults with disabilities and children in their care, and many other programs.

Help Needed:

Projects include collecting needed supplies, organizing the shelter food pantry, arranging activities for children, helping with mailings, and working on annual charity races and other events.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

There is no strict age limit for volunteers. Depending on the project, adults may be asked to accompany student volunteers.

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CLOTHED BY FAITH

What Is It?

A nonprofit that “demonstrates God’s love through the provision of gently used clothing to those in need” in Houston, Katy, and surrounding areas.

Help Needed:

Help sort and bag clothing and shoes; assist with deliveries/pickups, repairs, or other “heavier” tasks; work at community events; or help in office.  Please contact Clothed by Faith for COVID-related updates. 

Minimum Age to Volunteer

12, for community events, with an adult.  Warehouse and “muscle group” volunteers must be at least 14, and 14 & 15 year olds must volunteer with an adult. See details below.

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HOUSTON COMMUNITY TOOLBANK

What Is It?

A nonprofit tool lending program that serves other nonprofits by providing fast and easy access to large volumes of high-quality tools to increase the impact of service projects and community revitalization efforts.

Help Needed:

Organize, repair, and/or paint tools; help fulfill tool orders; assemble disaster readiness kits; help with data entry or photography.  Volunteer opportunities are limited during the pandemic; please contact the ToolBank for updates. 

 

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16

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LAWTHER-DEER PARK PRAIRIE PRESERVE

What Is It?

A 51-acre example of one of the most endangered ecosystems, the tallgrass prairie. Surrounded by housing, it was scheduled to be developed but was saved in 2014. It is now a protected preserve.

Help Needed:

The Prairie hosts work days twice a month, when volunteers help remove invasive species and do other habitat restoration work.  

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16, to volunteer independently.  Volunteers age 12 and up are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.  All volunteers should bring a printed and signed volunteer waiver.

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TARGET HUNGER

What Is It?

A nonprofit that distributes 3.9 million pounds to food each year to food insecure seniors, children, and families who face the risk of going hungry every day.  Its services include food pantries, community and educational gardens, senior home delivery routes, and a free breakfast program.

Help Needed:

Volunteers help with the food pantries and distribution center, educational food fairs, community gardens, special events, and administrative tasks.  Some organizational work may also be done from home.  Please contact Target Hunger for COVID-related updates. 

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16 independently; children in first grade and older may volunteer with a parent /guardian.

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