WAMS Center for Service Learning
Everyone benefits when middle school students volunteer!
Students acquire life skills and knowledge as they provide a service to those who need it most. Volunteering teaches students compassion and understanding and gives them a sense of social responsibility. Working with a community organization helps students find their passions and interests and may lead to a career choice they may or may not have considered. Most importantly, student volunteerism makes a difference in the lives of others.
Volunteering is simple!
- Consider your interests and talents.
- Review the list of community agencies that need help from middle school students sent to parents in an email blast. You will be surprised at the variety and number of agencies looking for volunteers! If you have questions, see your School Counselor.
- Contact the agency representative and speak with them about opportunities and expectations, including time commitment.
- Volunteer!
- Complete the Community Service Log (sent in the email blast or available in the WAMS Archives)
- Complete the Community Service Reflection Sheet (sent in the email blast or available in the WAMS Archives)
- Hand in the Community Service Log and Reflection Sheet to your School Counselor.
- Receive a WAMS Certificate of Service at the end of the school year.
Never feel that you are too young to help others. We each have gifts and talents we can use to help others in big and small ways. Every act of service makes a difference!
Community Agencies
Basking Ridge Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 11, Basking Ridge
Website: www.bernardstwpregionalchamber.org/
Contact information: Albert Licata, 908-766-6755, email via contact page on website
Mission Statement: The Bernards Twp. “Regional” Chamber of Commerce works to improve the economy and quality of life in Bernards Township. We provide a resource guide to business and community events. Our regional Chamber makes this site available to help you locate goods and services, employment opportunities, valuable links, video broadcasting, information and more.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Set up and help with Chamber events: Meet the Easter Bunny, Safe Trick or Treat, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Food Drives, Holiday Parades, Christmas Market. Attend meetings and assist with check in, meet local business owners. Assist with charitable projects and disaster relief.
Contribute articles about WAMS to post on Facebook page.
Basking Ridge Indian Community
Website: www.bricnj.com
Contact information: Ameetha Ramesh, 201-771-BRIC, [email protected]
Mission statement: We are a group of Basking Ridge residents hailing from India or are of Indian descent. As Indians living in the United States, we want our children to experience our rich cultural heritage. This group has been formed to celebrate our arts, folklore, festivals, and traditions together as a community. Through this group, we intend to engage, inform, and inspire those passionate about the Indian culture. We take the most pride in all things Indian while seamlessly acculturating with the mainstream American culture. Our goals are:
● To cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, educate and develop Asian Indian culture in Basking Ridge, especially in the younger generation.
● To organize events, seminars and lectures to promote understanding between Asian Indian and American cultures and to promote good will.
● To organize meetings, exhibitions, radio and television program to promote Asian Indian arts, music, languages, and literature.
● To collect and administer funds for cultural, educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
● Holiday giving: Veterans Medical Center
● Thanksgiving food drive
● Holi Celebration
Bernards Township Library, 32 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge
Website: www.bernardslibrary.org
Contact information: Teen librarian Karen Andriolo, 908-204-3031 x5, [email protected]
Mission statement: Bernards Township Library’s mission is to inform, enrich and connect our community. Our goal is to cultivate an inviting community destination, where curiosity can spark discovery.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
● Children’s library
● Library helpers
Bonnie Brae School, 3415 Valley Road, Basking Ridge
Website: www.bonnie-brae.org
Contact information: Maureen Hunt, 908-647-4700, [email protected]
Mission statement: Empowering youth and families to achieve small victories every day through comprehensive care and education. Bonnie Brae is an extraordinary residential school and therapeutic community for New Jersey boys in crisis, ages 8-21. We are a nationally accredited Residential Treatment Center, meaning we are equipped with teams of clinicians, special education teachers and highly trained residential staff to give individualized mental health, educational, physical and residential care to the boys we serve. Bonnie Brae’s Vision is to: Transform more lives of at-risk youth and their families through a nationally recognized model of care. Bonnie Brae’s Mission is: Empowering youth and families to achieve small victories every day through comprehensive care and education. In 100 years, Bonnie Brae has helped more than 10,000 boys and 10,000 families.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Be part of our Frisbee for Fun Competition Lead a Holiday Gift Drive Invite us to your school for a presentation to raise awareness of Bonnie Brae Help send a boy to summer camp Help provide “care-packages” for Bonnie Brae graduates starting out on their own Sponsor our annual staff recognition ceremony Run for Bonnie Brae Sponsor one of our sports teams Run a theater fundraiser Provide holiday decorations for our cottages/ homes.
Bryan’s Dream Foundation, PO Box 20, Basking Ridge
Website:http://bryansdream.org
Contact information: Rebecca Moussally, Foundation Coordinator, [email protected]
Mission Statement: Bryan’s Dream Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2006 in memory of Bryan Timothy Opremcak. The purpose of the foundation is to fulfill Bryan’s dream by providing hope and support to children with brain tumors as well as their families and to ensure that no child’s life is ended prematurely. Mission:To make life a little brighter for children with brain tumors, and other pediatric cancers, and their families by providing financial assistance, information & support.To promote pediatric brain tumor awareness.To provide funding to pediatric brain tumor research.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Support fundraising to help families with financial stress. Make and provide gifts to children living with brain tumors and other cancers to make their life easier. Make a batch of 10 holiday cards to include in our 200+gift bags
CASA SHaW, 150 Boulevard, Washington, NJ
Website: https://www.casashaw.org
Contact information: Tracey L. Heisler, 908-689-5515, [email protected]
Mission statement: We are Court- Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. We provide social services to foster children in several local NJ counties.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Donate supplies for children in foster care: backpacks and school supplies, books, toys, etc. Sponsor fundraising events: e.g. Bowl-a-thon for CASA Sponsor awareness-raising events at your school: Go Blue for CASA, Provide information about the needs of children in foster care.
Community In Crisis, PO Box 85, Liberty Corner, NJ
Website: https://www.communityincrisis.org/
Contact information: Andi Williams, [email protected]
Mission statement: Our mission is to create a community united in fighting the heroin/opiate crisis, reducing the stigma of addiction and preventing overdose deaths among youth.
We represent a “it takes a village” approach to the opioid epidemic, attacking the problem at the local level by marshaling local resources. Interventions are designed to meet unique community needs and to produce sustainable environmental change. We work to prevent substance abuse through education.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Join The Hub Club. Meetings for middle school students in Basking Ridge and Bernardsville are every Thursday afternoon, 3-4:30, in Bernardsville. Volunteers will choose projects to work on, provide needed items (toiletries, cards, gift bags, etc.) for men and women in recovery, help with Charter Day activities, raise awareness in their schools and among their peers.
Community Soup Kitchen, 36 South St. Morristown, NJ
Website: www.cskmorristown.org/
Contact information: Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Hess, [email protected] ,973-267-0709 x 203 Director of Volunteer Services, Heidi Griffee, 973-267-0709 x 203
Mission statement: The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center provides nutritious meals in a warm, safe and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment. As part of our hospitality we also encourage and assist our guests in accessing community resources, services and educational programs.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: From serving lunch to our guests, to sorting fresh produce for our Free Farmer's Market to helping out at a fundraiser, volunteers make it all happen! We’d love to have your help.
● New volunteers are asked to attend a work activity (usually a pantry transfer or assisting with cutlery packets) and a brief orientation before volunteering - that way we can fill you in on all of our different opportunities!
● Serving Line – 7 days a week – Help serve a hot noontime meal. Must be 12 years old. Commitment is from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm.
● Serve Breakfast - 7 days a week, must be 12 years old. Commitment is 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
● Free Farmers Market – Monday and Friday - Sort and distribute food donations from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Stop & Shop. It’s like working in a food store where everything is free for anyone in need! Must be 12 years old. Commitment is from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. if you would like to sort and distribute, 12:45 pm to 2:30pm if you would just like to distribute. Wednesday market is offsite and the time commitment is 3:00 to 5:00.
● Pantry Transfer – 2 times per month - Move canned goods from our pantry down the street to the Soup Kitchen dining room and kitchen. Must be 12 years old. Typically scheduled on Wednesday afternoons.
● Conduct a non-perishable food drive at your business, school or congregation based on our Current Needs List posted on our website: www.cskmorristown.org. Typical items include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant for our guests.
● Prepare Breakfast-to-Go bags for our guests to take home. For example, a small box of cereal, shelfstable milk, granola bar, juice box, a small can of fruit or similar non-perishable food items.
● Participate in our HUNGER WALK in October. Walkers track Community Soup Kitchen guests’ stories and experiences through cards handed out during the event. For more information, please visit www.cskmorristown.org.
● Bake homemade muffins or desserts and deliver them to the Community Soup Kitchen.
● Collect sleeping bags, blankets, coats (gently used or new in adult sizes), mittens, scarves and new socks.
● Run a bake sale or lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to the Community Soup Kitchen
● Youth Council – Take a leadership role in solving the local problems of homelessness and poverty. - for 7th and 8th graders – Meets 6 – 8 times per year. Email [email protected] for more information.
Curbing Hunger, Inc., 140 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge
Website: http://www.bernards.org/Administration/Document/Somerset%20County%20Residents%20Can %20Help.pdf
Contact Information: Chuck Knill, Rick Morley, 908-344-5571
Mission Statement: We supply food to over 1400 county residents in need.
Volunteer opportunities for Middle school students: Collect food or cash donations. Sort and distribute food donations at the Food Bank warehouse in Bridgewater.
Friends of Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, 135 North Maple Ave, BR
Website: http://rossfarm.org/
Contact information: [email protected]
Mission statement: In April 2015, The Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate entered into an agreement with the Somerset County Parks Commission, permitting the charitable organization to conduct historical and cultural events on the property. We set out to enhance the public understanding of the lives of Elias Boudinot, Samuel Southard, and Edmund Ross, and their families, and other residents of the property. We hope to develop and produce public events utilizing the site’s landscape, buildings, and historical legacy, and plan to create a repository and research center for local genealogical and oral history resources.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: We enjoy working with youth who are seeking a fun, meaningful way to earn service hours. The Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate is a 501c3 charitable organization and we are grateful for monetary donations!
Giving Garden Committee, Wagner Farm Arboretum, 197 Mountain Ave, Warren, NJ
Website: http://www.wfafnj.org/the-gardens/giving-gardens-project/
Contact information: JoAnne Ball, Phyllis Lindquist, or Office Manager, 908-350-7383
Mission Statement: We grow and supply fresh vegetables to the food network in Somerset County. We provide vegetables to families, individuals, and elderly who don’t have access to nutritional meals.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Flower Gardening: If you enjoy puttering in a flower garden, spend some time in our Children’s Garden (between May through September). Vegetable Gardening: We grow a variety of vegetables which are donated to area Food Banks and Soup Kitchen agencies. For an hour or two on any Saturday or Sunday, or at your own schedule, help in the WFA Giving Garden. The tasks may include planting the vegetables, watering the gardens, harvesting the vegetables, and clearing the beds at the end of the season. Individuals and Groups are welcome to take care of a bed throughout the season at your own schedule. Or, we can schedule your group to come for a “Volunteer Day”. Groups can come from church organizations, school service groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, neighborhood groups (friends and neighbors), and corporate volunteers. Email: [email protected]
Habitat for Humanity NJ, Raritan Valley Chapter (several NJ locations)
Website: http://www.rvhabitat.org/get-involved/youth-volunteers/
Contact information: Laura Rawlins, Marketing and Development Director, or Rebecca Maier Volunteer and Engagement Manager, 908- 704-0016 [email protected]
Mission statement: Habitat for Humanity seeks to build strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: One of the best ways that our young and enthusiastic volunteers can give back is to advocate for RVHFH and for affordable housing. We believe that if our younger supporters better understand poverty, income disparities, housing costs, and how RVHFH helps people achieve the dream of homeownership, then they will become life long volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. By learning about all of these issues, combined with understanding the mission of Habitat, young volunteers can communicate the need for affordable housing and advocate for the organization through fundraising and education events.
Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Women Build Helper (any age): This is a great project for a Scout Troop or Youth Group to provide food and beverages on Women Build Days. Volunteers are asked to provide either goodies for breakfast, a full lunch, or just dessert for a Women Build workday. Youth and their leaders make the food or get donations from businesses and deliver to the work site on special Women Build Saturdays. To get involved, contact our Women Build Coordinator, Linda Bradway.
Hindi USA
Website: https://www.hindiusa.org
Contact information: Dr.Sanjay Gupta, 732-331-9342, [email protected]
Mission statement: We are a non-profit and volunteer- managed organization in the United States. OUr main aim is to promote Hindi at the grass-root level by teaching young students. We have 18 Hindi schools in New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, and California. We have more than 20 affiliated Hindi schools in nine other states. We teach Hindi to more than 4000 students, ages 5-15.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Volunteers do not need to know Hindi. Students may assist as a teacher aide and supervise students during Hindi classes. Students can assist with activities, photography, celebration events, etc., as well as perform administrative duties (Excel, class lists, tally marks). Students can help organize special events.
The International Rescue Committee, 208 Commerce Place, Elizabeth, NJ
Website: https://www.rescue.org/ a https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/elizabeth-nj
Contact information: Marv Helgeson, [email protected]
Mission statement: The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Conduct a fundraising campaign or gift drive. Learn about solutions. Get the facts on refugee resettlement and how you can make a difference.
iPad Club at Fellowship Village
Address: 8000 Fellowship Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Website of organization: https://www.fellowshipseniorliving.org/
Contact information: Ronald L. Whalin, iPad Club coordinator; [email protected]
Mission statement: To help all seniors fully enjoy the use of technology to enrich their lives.
Volunteer opportunities: Student volunteers provide 1:1 assistance to residents with their use of technology. iPad club is held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday.
Jacobus Vanderveer House, 1 River Road Park, Bedminster, NJ
Website: http://www.jvanderveerhouse.org/
Contact information: Kristina Poggi, 908-396-6053
Mission statement: We provide an educational and community resource on a historic property.Throughout the year, we are open for house tours, lectures, exhibits, children and school group programs featuring re-enactors, artists and Colonial craftspeople.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Assist with re-enactments, help to set up exhibits, help to host group programs.
Kids for Peace: Uplifting our World through Love and Action
Website: [email protected]
Contact information: Jigna Bhalla, [email protected] or
[email protected]
Mission statement: Our visions is a safe and peaceful world where all people respect and care for each other and our planet. Kids for Peace serves as a model and inspiration for creating this reality with children leading the way, not only for today, but for generations to come. Our motto: Kindness matters.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
● Become a peace builder.
● Start a chapter and implement the Peace Pledge Program.
● Take on the Great Kindness Challenge.
● Sponsor a student.
● Organize a party, have fun, and raise funds for peace.
● Check our website for information and program ideas.
March of Dimes: Healthy Moms, Strong Babies NJ, Parsippany
Website: https://www.marchofdimes.org/
Contact information: Chris Hansen
Mission statement: Our mission is to prevent premature birth and to give every baby a fair chance for a healthy full-term birth. The preterm birth rate (the percent of babies born before 37 weeks each year) is 9.8 percent in the United States. This means that 1 in 10 babies is born too soon. Babies who survive premature birth often have long-term health problems.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
● Get together a team and support our March for Babies Walks,
● Join Teen Youth and educate your peers on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
● Lead your school, organization and community in raising awareness and funds for our mission.
● Stay connected with Team Youth through Facebook, Twitter, and by subscribing to Youth Times, our monthly eNewsletter.
Market Street Mission, 9 Market Street, Morristown
Website: www.marketstreet.org/
Contact information: Tom Giglio, Program Director, 973-292-2466, Mary Kate Kelly, Volunteer Coordinator, 973-538-6337, [email protected]
Mission statement: The Market Street Mission ministers to the homeless, helpless, and hopeless in Northern NJ by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Market Street Mission helps the homeless, feeds the homeless, shelters the homeless, clothes the homeless.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Organize a food drive; Operation Backpack: collect school supplies to fill backpacks for needy children; Hygiene kits: collect and package personal hygiene items for men in the program; Collect coats through a coat drive and help distribute them at annual coat giveaway. Collect and wrap Christmas gifts for children of men in the program at annual Christmas “toyshop”.
Mane Stream: Unbridled Possibilities for Adults and Children with Special Needs, 83 Old Turnpike Rd., Oldwick, NJ
Website: https://www.manestreamnj.org
Contact information: Trish Hegeman, Executive Director, [email protected] , Kathy Mikula, Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected]
Mission statement: The Mane Stream mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy and educational initiatives.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Help with care for horses, help with office work or educational initiatives as appropriate. Raise awareness of the needs of individuals with various challenges.
National Kids Construction Club, Inc. , 288 Alexandria Way, Basking Ridge
Website: https://www.facebook.com/.../National-Kids-Construction-Club/1417380365187669
Contact information: Nancy Balun, Chief Executive Officer, Elise Campbell Aragones
Mission statement: We seek to educate and inform children of all ages of the skills and professionalism of those involved in all aspects of the construction industry. Whether it is the construction of a sidewalk, home, building, road, bridge or any other structure, real or imaginary, all children should be encouraged to construct and build. The main mission is to ensure that every student who graduates high school should be educated to home safety, for one day these kids will move to a dorm, an apartment or home! It is so critical our children be equipped with life skills.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: The National Kids Construction Club introduces kids to home safety and repair and keeps hands-on learning in schools. Students will have the opportunity to learn and experience construction appropriate to their age and skill level.
New Jersey Sharing Network, 691 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ
Website: https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/
Contact information: Keath Gerald, Patti Jackson, 908-516-5400, [email protected]haringnetwork.org
Mission statement: NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently awaiting transplantation. We are also part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the 115,0000 people on the national waiting list. Our goal is to educate the general public about how transplantation can save lives with the goal of increasing the number of organ donors.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Students can help raise funds and support community events. They can raise awareness of the benefits of organ donation in their schools and communities. They can support the 5K Celebration of Life.
Parents of Exceptional Children
Website: www.bernardspec.com/
Contact information: Bridget Schrilado, Gretchen Hall, Co-presidents, Lisa McNey, VP of Mentor Programs and Training. [email protected] ,
Mission statement: The mission of the Bernards PEC is to provide the support that families, educators, and community organizations need to help individuals with disabilities reach their full potential.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: We train students to work with the individual with special needs to provide a great atmosphere of acceptance. We need student volunteers to be mentors for exceptional children. Students can also support annual fundraising efforts.
Room to Read, Global Headquarters San Francisco, CA
Website: https://www.roomtoread.org,
Contact information: Nicole Smith [email protected]
Mission statement: We believe that world change starts with educated children. We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities and the world. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in low-income countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
● Fundraise: plan an event, dedicate your birthday money, get creative and involve your friends. Examples: Make your Next Birthday a Costume Party: Dress up. Have fun. Do good. Turn a costume party into a force for good by challenging friends to dress up in honor of global literacy.
● Organize the Ultimate Book Swap: Give-a-book, take-a-book. A twist on a typical book swap, this event involves a participation fee for attendees. Do you know that $1 can publish a local language children's book?
● Host a Read-a-thon: Read books to raise money. Ask family, friends, and neighbors to support your reading goal through pledges, all while improving your own reading skills. Rally your school: no matter how big or small, you can make a difference.
Saturday’s in Motion, Somerset County YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge
Website: http://www.somersetcountyymca.org/programs/special-needs/children
Contact information: Art Raynes at [email protected]
Mission statement: At Saturdays in Motion, children living with autism and their families join together at the Y on certain Saturdays for two hours of recreation at the Somerset Hills YMCA. This program is run by YMCA volunteers who help monitor and guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. At the Y, we understand the stress and challenges that often come with caring for an individual with special needs. We hope to support families with programs that offer fun and joy while helping you to connect and grow together through enriching experiences. Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: The group meets twice a month on Saturdays at the Y. One hour is spent in the gym, another hour in the pool. Students are assigned to a student with autism or a sibling and participate in the activities together. See video link for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iyxSMF7ygA
Special Olympics Club Unify, WAMS
Website: https://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/Unified_Champion_Schools/Unified_Sc hools.aspx?src=footer
Contact information: Rebecca Bollaro, [email protected]
Mission statement:
Inclusive sports provide youth with and without intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and play together as teammates. Students develop exceptional athletic skills while forming friendships, fostering respect for each other, and becoming leaders on and off the court.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Participate on sports teams which include students with disabilities. In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability. That makes practices more fun and games more challenging and exciting for all. Having sport in common is just one more way that preconceptions and false ideas are swept away.
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., Madison, NJ
Website: https://www.sthuberts.org/
Contact information: Karen Potocek 973-377-2295, [email protected]
Mission statement: St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. We believe in and provide services that support the human-animal bond and seek to foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students:
At-home projects can be a great way to help the animals. Some examples of ideas include holding a lemonade stand and donating the proceeds to St. Hubert's. You can hold a collection of gently used blankets and towels for your school to donate. You can also make one-time-use dog toys, which are a great way to recycle and let the dogs have fun while they wait for their forever homes. If you need samples of different projects, email Karen Potochek, Humane Educator, at [email protected].
The Valerie Fund, 2101 Millburn Ave., Maplewood, NJ
Website: https://www.thevaleriefund.org/
Contact information: Madison Welch, Asst. Manager of Marketing and Special Events, [email protected] ,973-761-0422, ext. 13.
Mission statement: The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide individualized care to children at medical centers close to home, because we believe the most effective way to heal the children in our care is to treat them emotionally, socially and developmentally, as well as medically.The Valerie Fund supports comprehensive health care services focusing on psychosocial programs for children with cancer and blood disorders close to home.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Whether at home or through school, with a club or at your place of worship, kids all over the world are helping to make life better for other kids in crisis. When kids organize a fundraiser to benefit the Valerie Fund, the kids in our care get the support they need. Create your own or get inspired by this list of ideas for kids to help kids. We can't wait to see what you come up with! Some ways that kids are helping other kids:
• Bake or craft sale
• Coin drive
• Toy drive
• Sports-a-thon, a day of walking, running, or other athletic competition
• Dance-a-thon, a competitive dance party
• Read-a-thon, a competitive reading challenge
• Ice cream social or pancake breakfast
• Dedicate your birthday gifts to The Valerie Fund
Volunteers Association for Bangladesh
Website: www.vabonline.org/
Contact information: [email protected]
Mission statement: Bangladesh is a poverty-stricken country where more than half of the children grow up without education. Their families are poor; there are not enough schools; what schools do exist, often lack adequate facilities, equipment and effective teachers. These problems are often worse in rural areas where three out of four Bangladeshis live. VAB is firmly committed to contribute to improving the economic and social well-being of the rural people of Bangladesh, and recognizes that providing access and support to sustain high school education by students from poorer families is the most appropriate way to alleviate poverty and bring about meaningful changes at the family level and eventually at the societal level. VAB empowers youth through computer literacy training and technology-aided education.
Volunteer opportunities for middle school students: Fundraising is essential to help VAB provide the materials and education necessary for our students.