Are you looking for a way to encourage your child to get involved in the world around them and to learn new skills? Engaging in volunteer activities promotes a good work ethic, teaches the value of service to others and helps connect families in a deeper way with the local community. There are a variety of unique volunteer opportunities available for youth throughout Northwest Ohio. Here is our roundup of some great organizations where children and teens can share their time and talents to help make a difference!
Find a Youth Volunteer Opportunity in Northwest Ohio
Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter
32 Hillwyck Dr.
419-536-1914
pawsandwhiskers.org
The Reading with Cats program allows children to practice reading out loud while the cats get extra socialization and love! No appointment is needed for reading during regular business hours at this haven for homeless cats.
Toledo Metroparks
5100 W. Central Ave.
410-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com
The Metroparks wouldn’t be the same without volunteers of all ages! Two great ways for older youth to pitch in and help at the parks are the Conservation Club and the Counselors in Training program. The application form is available on their website.
Sauder Village
22611 State Rte. 2, Archbold
419-446-2541
saudervillage.org
Youth Volunteers participate in everything from crafts and cooking to churning butter and playing old-fashioned games. These young people work alongside the adult staff learning about traditions and activities of the past. An application form is available on their website.
Heritage Sylvania
5717 Main St., Sylvania
419-517-5533
heritagesylvania.org
Heritage Sylvania offers teens a variety of volunteer opportunities, including helping with children’s crafts, leading summer camps, working behind the scenes projects, and more! Contact Heritage Sylvania to learn how to get involved.
Hannah’s Socks
948 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-376-1260
hannahssocks.org
While there are no in-house volunteer opportunities with Hannah’s Socks, holding a sock drive is an awesome way for kids to get involved and help make a difference for people in need.
Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity
1310 Conant St., Maumee
419-382-1964
mvhabitat.org
From painting rocks and building a birdhouse to painting a playhouse or reading a poem at a dedication ceremony, there are a variety of youth activities and projects for kids of all ages at Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-5721
toledozoo.org
The ZOOTeen program offers volunteer opportunities to teens with an interest in education, animal science and conservation. Register online for an information session to learn about getting involved, enjoying new experiences and making a difference.
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org
Imagination Station volunteers are on the front-lines for hands-on science education that is not only fun, but inspirational. Special activities, events, summer camp and behind-the-scenes work are just some of the options! Apply on their website.
Hospice of Northwest Ohio
30000 East River Rd., Perrysburg
419-661-4001
hospicenwo.org
Volunteering at Hospice of Northwest Ohio is a meaningful, memorable experience for high school students. Teens visit with patients and their families and help the staff with many tasks. An application form is available on their website.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
325 Michigan St.
419-259-5200
toledolibrary.org
Children over the age of 12 are invited to apply for the library’s VolunTEEN program. Youth can assist with special programs, maintain collections, help with the Summer Reading program and more. Apply on their website.
