“How can I volunteer during the pandemic? Where do I even find opportunities?”
We get these questions almost daily from our high school students, so allow me to get on my soapbox. There’s no better time than now to volunteer, especially for young adults. COVID-19 has affected every aspect of life, and no matter what you are passionate about, there’s a way you can help. You can volunteer with seniors, hospital workers, animals, students who are falling behind, or those affected by natural disasters. You can even help with COVID-19 relief itself.
Since COVID-19 typically has more severe consequences for older adults, it’s important that healthy young adults step up to volunteer. This protects our more vulnerable populations while still providing much needed support services to the community.
If you’re concerned about exposure to the virus, there are many virtual volunteer opportunities available. And no matter where you’re volunteering, follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and personal safety. You can’t help anyone if you’re sick yourself.
The volunteer organizations and opportunities below are appropriate for teenagers.
North Texas Volunteer Opportunities
- American Red Cross North Texas Youth Volunteer Programs
- American Red Cross Volunteer Ideas
- COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities through VolunteerMatch.org
- North Texas Food Bank
- Voly.org Local and Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
- Search JustServe.org Opportunities
- United Way Volunteer Opportunities
- LovePacs to Combat Food Insecurity
- YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
- Virtual Volunteer Opportunities through VolunteerMatch.org
- Become a Virtual Friendly Visitor for Older Adults in Dallas-Area Long-Term Care Facilities
- Become a Virtual Reading Partner for a Local Student
- Voly.org Local and Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
DIY Volunteer Opportunities
Sometimes the best volunteer opportunities are those you develop yourself. If you have a skill or talent you can share, do it!
- Write letters to patients in local COVID-19 units
- Put on a virtual music performance for residents at a long-term care facility
- Contact local elementary school or middle school teachers and offer to tutor a few students
- Make hope packs for children entering foster care
- And so much more!
Need more advice?
Read our other posts about why volunteering matters for college admissions and how one KD student started her own nonprofit to support healthcare workers during the pandemic.