So, Your Child Needs Volunteer Hours?

April is National Volunteer Month, making it the perfect time to explore new opportunities and celebrate the impact of volunteers in our communities.

Volunteering is a great way for kids to develop empathy, build social connections and gain new skills, all while making a positive impact. Encouraging your child to volunteer can help them build confidence, learn responsibility, and discover new interests. Knowing they’re making a difference gives kids a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Many local organizations rely on volunteers, and plenty of opportunities exist for families who want to give back together. Whether you have an hour a month or want to make service a family tradition, there’s an opportunity for everyone.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Find the right fit. Choose an organization or cause that aligns with your child’s interests.
2. Discover the right age group. Organizations may have age restrictions on volunteering. Do you have a young volunteer? A great option for younger volunteers is to donate time to your neighborhood. Reach out to family, friends and neighbors who might need assistance with tasks or check for ways to volunteer time at your place of worship. Always make sure you check with your program lead or teacher before volunteering this way.
3. Be ready to commit. Some opportunities require training or a specific time commitment.
4. Make it fun. Volunteering should be a positive experience, so find a role that excites your child.
5. Lead by example. When kids see their parents giving back, they’re more likely to get involved.

Whether your child is interested in animals, helping those in need, or supporting the arts, there’s a volunteer opportunity that’s a great fit. Before signing up, check each organization’s age requirements, as some may require a guardian to volunteer alongside younger kids. Check out these local and virtual ways to get started. 

Local Volunteer Opportunities for Kids and Families

The Canton Public Library’s Teen Leadership Council is a volunteer opportunity for teens ages 14-18. Members will have hands-on experience planning, promoting, and running programs and services at the library. The Teen Leadership Council accepts applications seasonally. Check this link to see if applications are currently being accepted.

The Youth Advisory Council (Y.A.C.) (grades 9-12) continues to assert itself as an influential group of high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton youth.

Open Door Ministries (all ages) is a food pantry and job bank located in Canton. There is plenty to do to help needy families in the Canton community, and volunteers are always welcome. Individuals are encouraged to come in on their specified volunteer days and hours, no need to call in advance. 

Canton Goodfellows (all ages) provides holiday gifts and clothing to children in need. Visit their website to learn how you can help.

Meals on Wheels (families) delivers meals to homebound seniors. Parents and children can volunteer to drive and deliver meals together (mileage is reimbursed). For more information, check with the Canton Volunteer Coordinator.

Lasagna Love (families/groups) is an excellent way for families to cook and deliver homemade meals to neighbors in need.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan (all ages) provides volunteer opportunities to organizations all around southeastern Michigan. Check with the Plymouth United Way for volunteer events in the Plymouth and Canton areas.   

Youth Volunteer Corps (ages 11-17) engages teens in diverse, team-based projects and opportunities. The YVC has host locations across many states. The closest host location to Canton is the Ann Arbor YMCA. More information, including available projects, can be found on the Ann Arbor YMCA website.

Want more ideas right here in Canton? The Canton Township Volunteer Coordinator can connect you with volunteer opportunities available in the Canton community. A youth volunteer application must be filled out. The age requirements depend on what organization or program the coordinator is able to find for the volunteer. More information can be found on the Township website.

Animal Lovers Welcome

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (ages 12-17) offers opportunities to help with animal care and shelter needs. Located in Ann Arbor, the Humane Society has a junior volunteer program for animal lovers. The program runs for six weeks, and teens learn all it takes to care for sheltered animals. Registration can be found on their website.

The Detroit Zoo (ages 14-17) offers two different "Volunteen” programs. The Counselor in Training program provides an introduction to camp counseling and requires teen volunteers to be 15-17 years old. The Zoo Corps program provides teens with training to be able to perform leadership activities, including interacting with zoo guests. Zoo Corps requires teens to be 14-17. More information can be found on their website.

Passionate About Social Justice?

The Michigan Center for Youth Justice (ages 16-21) works to create a fair and effective justice system for children and young adults. Located in Ann Arbor, the Center hosts the Voices of Justice Youth Fellowship Program. This program provides initiatives for youth navigating the juvenile justice system to have an opportunity to bring about social justice. More information about the fellowship program and its eligibility requirements is available on their website.

Outdoor and Farm-Based Volunteering

The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor (ages 15+) needs help planting, weeding, and harvesting produce that benefits patients and local communities. The Trinity Health System has farms located on their Ann Arbor and Oakland campuses and welcomes volunteers to learn about sustainable farming. Volunteers can help with farming, creating Farm Share produce boxes for the community and assisting with their flower harvest and bouquets.

The Friends of Maybury State Park (all ages) has volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Contact the Friends for more information. 

Friends of the Rouge (all ages) offers opportunities for families and youth of all ages for both one-day and long-term projects. Check their website often for upcoming events.

STEAM-Based Volunteering

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (ages 13-17) hosts teen volunteers as Summer Camp staff. Teen volunteers gain leadership skills while enjoying fun STEAM camp activities.

Love Arts and Culture?

Village Theater at Cherry Hill (ages 14-17) has usher opportunities for youth participants. For more information, contact the Usher Coordinator. 

The University of Michigan Musical Society (grades 9-12) accepts youth volunteers for its public performances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact their Director of Patron Services, Anne Renforth, at arenfo@umich.edu if you have any questions not answered on their website.

Tech and Digital Volunteering

Be My Eyes helps visually impaired individuals navigate daily tasks via an app.

If your child speaks another language, they can assist with translation services through Translators Without Borders.

Writing and Creative Volunteer Work

Letters Against Isolation sends letters to brighten seniors' day in care homes.

Project Linus makes blankets for children in hospitals, shelters, or service agencies.

Lifesaving Support

Families can join the volunteer team at the American Red Cross or donate blood.

Support Local Sports Events

The Detroit Sports Commission welcomes volunteers for sports events.

Find More Volunteer Opportunities

• Check the Michigan Volunteer Registry for a variety of local opportunities.
• Visit Volunteer Match to find virtual or in-person volunteer work that fits your family’s schedule.
• Explore the AmeriCorps website (age varies) for nationwide service opportunities.
• Check out Volunteer Michigan (ages 13+) to search for volunteer opportunities near you. Age requirements will vary depending on the organization.