I received an email from Macaroni Mom Maria S. asking “…have you heard about places where I can take the kids to do some volunteer service? I want to start involving them in the community and I don't know where to start... so if you hear of anything, please let me know.”
Well Maria, I think it’s awesome that you want your little Macaronis, ages 13, 8 and 5, to get involved in their community! Your question got me researching volunteering opportunities for kids leading me to discover that there are many wonderful opportunities in Miami-Dade County to not only allow our kids to pay it forward but also to complete their community service graduation requirement for Miami-Dade County Public Schools!
Here are a few important things to know about the community service graduation requirements:
- Each student must complete a community service project.
- The project may be completed at any time during a student’s high school years.
- Community Service Projects must be done at a NON-PROFIT 501-C ORGANIZATION.
- Community Service can be performed at county parks, libraries, public schools, hospitals, retirement/nursing homes, day care centers, churches and religious organizations, homeless shelters, Boy Scout/Girl Scout organizations, Special Olympics, campaigning for political candidates or camps.
- You should speak with your school counselor before doing any hours.
Here are six really great organizations that are in search of volunteers. I will be listing more organizations each week for the next month or two. If you know of any organizations looking for volunteers please add them in our comment box.
Miami Children’s Museum – Ages 12+
305.373.KIDS (5437), ext.128 or volunteer@miamichildrensmuseum.org
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
305-961-2781
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/volunteer-opportunities.asp
Citizens For a Better South Florida
305-648-0000 or email info@abettersouthflorida.org.
http://www.abettersouthflorida.org/
Miami Dade Animal Services – ages 15+
305-884-1102
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/volunteer.asp
Camillus House 14+ to distribute food. Younger children may help prepare food, with parent supervision required for all children.
305-374-1065 ext 438
http://www.camillus.org
Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library
(305) 375-4776 or email friends@mdpls.org
