Community service: Giving back to the Community.

June 30, 2014

By: Maria Sabatella

@mariasabatella

Summer is here, and with it comes a big question, what am I going to do during summer? Most incoming high school students get a little worried about where they can do their community service hours during their high school years. I’ve had many people come up to me trying to get advice on where they can volunteer and get the community service hours they need in order to graduate. One of the first advices I give is to never leave their hours for last minute. The sooner you get them done, the less you have to worry about.

When I first heard about having to do community service hours, I started searching options right away. For those who don’t know the City of Doral have excellent volunteer opportunities with the parks and recreation department. The program is called “Students in Action” in which you can volunteer at the parks, events such as Fourth of July, among many other events hosted by our city. To apply for this program visit the city’s website, https://www.cityofdoral.com, follow the link to the volunteers section, print it and submit it at Morgan Levy park.

Now, if you want to explore different opportunities, you can volunteer at hospitals, pet shelters, even elderly care centers. How about playing BINGO with some old folks at a nursing home, sounds like fun. Hospitals are always a good way to do community service hours, not only will you be obtaining hours but you will also be helping the community. Another opportunity to cooperate with the community is by feeding the homeless. Other opportunities include volunteering at art and music festivals. Several summer camps always need an extra help and recruit as many volunteers possible, so take advantage of these opportunities.

If you like playing and taking care of pets, consider volunteering at a pet shelter. You can help a furry friend get adopted of just play with them for a little while. The Miami-Dade Animal Services is always looking for volunteers, but hurry up and sign up because available spots will fill up fast.

One of the hospitals where you can look into is Miami Children’s Hospital ?which is always searching for new volunteers who can put a smile on their patients face. There is however plenty of hospitals that are in search of volunteers, so try checking out the closest hospital to you.

We all love going to art and music festivals, so how about going for free and helping out at the same time? Different festivals such as the Coconut Grove art festival held every year offer high school and college students the opportunity to volunteer with them during the whole weekend. Another opportunity comes in handy during the famous color run races. Several times the color run races have been done in Miami and in Ft. Lauderdale, check every now and then their website for schedules. If you like film, check out the Miami International Film Festival, which also offers students several opportunities to community service. Of course we cannot leave out the Miami Book Fair also held once a year.

Whether you are volunteering for school or just for fun, keep in mind some students accumulate community-service hours because it’s a requirement for graduation or scholarships. Not only is community service fun and rewarding, it also looks great on a resume or college application. The benefits of helping others or working with a worthy cause can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your lifetime. Volunteering helps you develop a heart for giving. Discover the wider world around you. Foster meaningful relationships. Always remember that the more hours you have, the better it is for you. Start as early as possible and don’t leave it for last minute.

Here are a few places where you can give back to the community by volunteering:

City of Doral

5300 NW 102nd Avenue, Doral FL

Ph: (305-593-6725)

www.cityofdoral.com

Miami-Dade Animal Services

7401 N.W. 74th St., Miami, FL 33166

Ph:(305) 884-1102

www.miamidade.gov

Camillus House

726 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33132

Ph: (305) 374-1065 ext. 438