In the first two articles in this series, we’ve looked at how the generosity of elementary and middle school students has greatly impacted the world around them in recent years.
From donating craft supplies to hospitalized children to staging prom during a pandemic, raising money for the mental health treatment of young refugees, knitting hats for kids with cancer, getting books into the hands of children living in poverty, and donating masks during a pandemic, these kids prove that age has nothing to do with having a generous spirit and giving back to others.
Next, we’ll take a look at some pretty amazing teens and all of the things they’ve accomplished while still in high school. Then, we’ll look at some unique ways the teens in your life can make a difference too.
Growing up without a bike was something that Paul Watson never forgot. So much so, in fact, that by age 15, Paul is now known for how handy he is with a set of tools and the creative way he uses them to help kids in need.
After receiving a used bike to work on as an assignment in a life skills class, Paul has since refurbished and donated more than fifty bikes to underprivileged kids in his area. For Paul, it’s all about putting smiles on kids’ faces when they realize they finally have a bike of their own.
Concerned about the learning loss taking place during the Covid-19 pandemic, brothers Alex (18) and Ben (15) Joel decided to take matters into their own hands and create an online tutoring service of their own. Their service is entirely free for elementary-aged students, covers many subject areas, and boasts more than one hundred eighty tutors helping kids around the country keep up in school.
For Alex and Ben, it was all about keeping kids at grade level while the pandemic surged and schools were forced to shut down. But it continues today, helping hundreds of students gain confidence in their abilities and make a personal connection with volunteer tutors, most of whom are still in school themselves.
Another teen who saw the repercussions of the pandemic and decided to step up was high school student Cody Scott. Cody joined his mom and pastors at his church to make sack breakfasts and lunches for kids in town once schools closed down during Covid-19 and families were unable to access the free and reduced meals they relied on.
For Cody, it was all about seeing adults helping others and realizing that he wanted to be a part of it too. And he felt good about feeding area students who needed the sack meals to make it through the day.
Looking for ways to get your teen involved? Consider things like:
- Packing toiletry bags for homeless youth
- Helping elderly neighbors with yard work
- Donating gently used clothing to shelters
- Sending care packages to deployed troops
- Teaching computer skills at a local senior center
Teens are a treasure trove of untapped skills, and they can make a big difference in the lives of others.
