Subject Guides: Teen Volunteering: Online Service Projects

Volunteer from Home This Summer, Earn Hours

Do you need volunteering hours for school? Are you looking for a fun way to give back and help others? Earn volunteer hours from home this summer by completing community service projects online. Students entering grades 7–12 in the next school year are eligible to earn hours.

How Do I Start?

Select an organization from the Volunteer Activities List on this page.
Complete activities according to the directions on the organization's website.

How Do I Earn Hours?

Complete and submit the Teen Volunteering: Online Service Projects Form for each activity completed.
Take a photo of your finished volunteer project (e.g. sidewalk chalk art, drawing, coloring project, letter, card, etc.) and upload it to the form.
If you do not submit a photo or complete the form, you will not receive credit for the activity you submitted.
Last day to submit activities is Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Submit one form per activity: No limit on the number of submissions.

Certificates

Certificates will be emailed mid-August to all who successfully completed the program and submitted the required forms.
Certificates will have the volunteer's name, hours worked, and the coordinator's signature.

Volunteer Activities List

By the People
Help the Library of Congress make documents searchable in their catalog with their By the People project. Help transcribe original items, many of which have never been transcribed before. Anyone can transcribe and an account is not needed. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Cards of Hope
Create birthday cards for kids in foster care and brighten their day. Cards should be handmade and not store bought. Please use cardstock or construction paper and not regular paper. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times).
Color a Smile
Print out these coloring pages and get coloring. Follow the instructions on the website for mailing in your submissions. Finished coloring pages are sent to senior citizens and troops overseas. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Love for the Elderly
Make someone's day a little brighter! Hand-write letters to residents in senior facilities. Join in on Sunshine Bags and Senior Storybooks. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Make Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Brighten a child's day! Create as many cards as you like. Visit the website for details and instructions. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Operation Gratitude
Write letters to members of the armed services, help create care packages, make paracord bracelets, and much more. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Sidewalk Chalk Project
Create inspiring messages or uplifting drawings on your sidewalk for walkers, runners, bikers, or anyone passing by. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: Transcription Center
Learn how to transcribe historical documents and biodiversity data to make these records more accessible. (Earn 2 volunteer hours. Can be done multiple times.)

Online Service Projects Form

When you complete a volunteer activity, don't forget to also complete the Online Service Projects form!

The last day to submit forms is Saturday, August 1, 2020. If you have questions, please email jrvolunteer@vapld.info.