I need help finding volunteer opportunities for my Teens

**mm70** · October 21st, 2008, 11:54 AM

One of my kids played 4 sports last year, the other 2. I'm starting to worry that they need much more in their lives than sports. After listening to screaming fans, not all of it positive, and having all that pressure for months, I feel like they need to get more involved in volunteering. Neither of them do any winter sports so now would be a good time for it and it would be a welcome break. I have been looking for ways for them to do that and am not finding much. I know there are food banks and nursing homes but would like to find something of the Key Club type that teaches teens to give back and to do unselfish things. I want their lives to be much more than sports. I want them to appreciate what they have and help others. I want them to have the satisfication of both. My daughter is 13, and my son is 15. Any suggestions?

**imported_elp6n** · October 21st, 2008, 11:58 AM

I can probably think of a few additional things, but one that comes to mind right now is Operation Christmas Child at the BSG Presbyterian Church. They probably need help packing and loading boxes - it's a pretty big operation for them

Here's the main link:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

**sup-rbeast** · October 21st, 2008, 12:03 PM

Tell em to join the key club...all winter ya sell x-mas trees, deliver food and toys on x-mas eve...lots of things most clubs don't do.

**pvfan** · October 21st, 2008, 12:08 PM

I would recommend scouting, teaches valuable life skills as well as volunteer opportunities. If you interested in more information just pm me and I can give you the phone number to contact both troops in BSG.

**mm70** · October 21st, 2008, 12:15 PM

Thank you all so much! All great things! My daughter is going to start with girl scounts after this week. It's been hard to do it with cross country practice every evening. I was a girl scout and my mom was a leader, so that is definetly something I want her to do.

These are all good ideas. I will get my son to check on the key club. I don't think we knew there was something like that here We haven't lived here long, so I have to ask what is going on all the time Can they sign up at school? I will check on that, too. He has been going to the FCA meetings and it's been really good for him.

The samaritan's purse thing is awesome. We have made boxes before but helping load boxes would be good to do, too. It would be good to take a more active role in that and a good opportunity to minister. You all are great! Thanks so much!

**sup-rbeast** · October 21st, 2008, 12:19 PM

If he goes to PV, you just go to the key club sponsor and the members vote...at least that's how they used to do it.

**OAR** · October 22nd, 2008, 09:20 AM

I know there is a church in Coeburn (on the side road between the fire department and the marble place on Rt. 72- They do a brown bag lunch every week or something to local kids. Fixes lunches, games, etc. The pastor there, can't remember his name, but super nice guy works @ Miner's Exchange in Coeburn. You could ask for Bonnie Ketron who also works at the bank if you call and she could point you in the right direction to him. Really breaks your heart when you see things like this, especially when it is our locals.

**TheBeast** · October 22nd, 2008, 09:34 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CarolinaBlue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know there is a church in Coeburn (on the side road between the fire department and the marble place on Rt. 72- They do a brown bag lunch every week or something to local kids. Fixes lunches, games, etc. The pastor there, can't remember his name, but super nice guy works @ Miner's Exchange in Coeburn. You could ask for Bonnie Ketron who also works at the bank if you call and she could point you in the right direction to him. Really breaks your heart when you see things like this, especially when it is our locals. </div></div>

His name is Johnny Adkins and he is great with kids and will do anything to help the children of the community.

**imported_MOX** · October 22nd, 2008, 09:45 AM

Johnny is a damn fine man and would do anything for anybody. I've always had the most respect for him and all the positive things he does for the community. I know he does several things for our troops over seas too, they put together nice little care packages and send em to the troops.