Giving back to the community is a great way for kids to learn about kindness, empathy and different careers. Fortunately, the Bay Area has many volunteer opportunities for children and teens. If one of these options does not work for you, check volunteermatch.org or handsonbayarea.org.
East Bay
Oakland Zoo – The zoo has a few volunteer and internship opportunities for youth. The Teen Wild Guide program teaches students in grades 9-12 to be interpreters in the Valley Children’s Zoo. ZooCamp teen assistants help create a fun and exciting experience for campers. There are also animal care internships for teens and adults designed for those interested in careers related to zoos.
9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland
The Gardens at Lake Merritt – The gardens are completely tended by volunteers. There are a variety of tasks that can suit a range of skill levels and ages. However, there are some delicate plants that require a gentle touch so adult supervision and guidance is requested for younger helpers. To volunteer, send an email to [email protected]. 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland
Tri-City Volunteers Food Bank & Mobile Pantry – It provides food assistance and low cost clothing and household items to Alameda County residents. The organization accepts volunteers ages 14 and up. Volunteers 14 to 15 must have an adult with them. To sign up, fill out an application on the website.
37350 Joseph St., Fremont
Marin
WildCare – This wildlife center depends on volunteers to help staff with animal care and educational programs. Volunteer opportunities for teens are available in its education department and wildlife hospital.
Temporary location is 37 Schmidt Lane, San Rafael
discoverwildcare.org/volunteer
Peninsula
Peninsula Food Runners – It picks up excess food from restaurants and grocers to deliver to those in need. Families and individuals can volunteer for a regular weekly food run which typically involves picking up and dropping off. Those under 18 need a trusted adult as a co-pilot.
Project Read Redwood City – This organization has opportunities for teens to read to and tutor younger students. Sign up for training on the website.
Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
projectreadredwoodcity.org/volunteer
San Francisco
Alemany Farm – This large agricultural site in San Francisco invites young and mature volunteers to its community workdays. Check the website for dates and times. Registration is required.
700 Alemany Blvd.
National AIDS Memorial Grove Community Workdays – On the third Sat. of the month from March to October, volunteers help care for the National AIDS Memorial Grove at Golden Gate Park. Work includes planting, removing brush and debris, and supporting large landscape and infrastructure projects. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a community workday release form signed by a parent or guardian. 8:30am-12:30pm.
Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive
aidsmemorial.org/volunteer-workdays
Project Open Hand – Volunteers prepare, package and deliver meals to sick and elderly people in San Francisco and the East Bay. Check volunteer options online.
The Richmond Neighborhood Center – Teens and families can volunteer at the Center’s food pantry. There are also neighborhood clean-ups. Sign up for a shift online
802 Clement St.
741 30th Ave.
richmondsf.org/get-involved/volunteer
San Francisco Zoo – The zoo offers volunteer programs for ages 12-17 that focus on educating the public and caring for animals.
Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway
Silicon Valley
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen – Its mission is to provide hot and nutritious meals to those in need. Volunteers must be ages 10 and up. Volunteers ages 10 to 13 must have adult supervision during their shift.
1500 Berger Drive, San Jose
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley – Prepare food for distribution by verifying, sorting, labeling and repacking at the Cypress Center as well as other locations. Training is provided at the beginning of each shift. The minimum age is 12.
4001 N. First St., San Jose
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
