Op-Ed: ‘So Many Ways That Kids Can Volunteer’

[Samantha Haley is a junior at New Canaan High School.]

For almost as long as I can remember, it has been a family tradition for me and my sisters and brother to travel around to different senior centers in the area performing musical concerts. On weekends and school breaks, we would load up the trunk of the car with all of our instruments and equipment, and all five of us would squeeze into the remaining space. Since I was the youngest, I would always wind up in the middle seat of the back row with the foot of a music stand jutting into my back. 

Our first Musical Treats performance at Waveny Care Center when I was 8. Photo courtesy of Samantha Haley

I was eight years old when we started this tradition, and each trip brings back distinct memories. I remember our very first Musical Treats performance at Waveny Care Center. More than the actual music, I remember talking to the residents as we went around the room afterward handing out oatmeal cookies. I talked to a lady about the difference between the violin and viola and I learned that she used to play the flute. An older gentleman was more curious about how many kids we had in our family.

As a student violinist and violist, I can’t think of a more appreciative audience than the senior citizens we’ve played for. When I think of all the recitals and orchestras I’ve done since I was little, I can say that our Musical Treats concerts at New Canaan Inn, Waveny Care Center, and other senior facilities in our area have been my most meaningful because of the people I’ve met. 

4/10/18 My siblings and I getting ready to perform. Photo courtesy of Samantha Haley

Performing for Musical Treats has also inspired me to volunteer in other areas. My brother and I collect swim and other sports equipment and donate them to after-school programs. We are year-round competitive swimmers who grew up playing different sports, so we wanted to find a way to collect and share equipment with other kids so that everyone has the opportunity to play youth sports. At New Canaan High School, my friends and I started Inspirical Club that prepares and serves meals at an emergency shelter in Stamford. Doing what I love– cooking– but doing it for others has special meaning.

12/23/19 Handing out treats and chatting with seniors after a concert. Photo courtesy of Samantha Haley

If students are interested, there are plenty of ways to find an initiative that matches your interests. You can volunteer for community service clubs through your high school, where there should be lots of opportunities to do things like tutor, mentor, volunteer at a soup kitchen, deliver food, organize food drives, and fundraise. Check the websites of non-profit organizations, which are always looking for donations and volunteers in their missions to help provide meals, housing, education, medical assistance, and disaster relief. Also reach out to Town Hall, senior and community centers, public libraries, museums, or youth mentoring programs to see how you can help. Environmentally-conscious kids can participate in park cleanups and assist in conservation education programs. If your family is part of a religious organization, they have plenty of fun volunteer opportunities for students as well. 

There are so many ways that kids can volunteer, so talk with your friends and like-minded classmates about what they are up to and join the fun of giving back to our community. You’ll come away with meaningful, memorable experiences and lots of new friends, not to mention a community grateful for whatever time and effort you have to give.