Now that we are in high school, we need to begin building our resumes and acquiring service hours for college applications. Many of us are in clubs that require the hours and others just decided to do it in their free time. No matter what the case is, there are numerous things to do in the Huntsville, Madison and Harvest areas.
- Huntsville Botanical Gardens.
If you’re looking for a scenic and enjoyable place to help out in your community then look no further, this is the place for you. They have beautiful gardens, aquatic habitats and cute animals you can see also enjoying the area. Helping hands are welcome year-round. During the fall/winter season, they have their annual light show, “The Galaxy of Lights”, to which they welcome even more volunteers. Whether it’s greeting and directing guests or walking along the path guiding people the botanical garden has a place for you.
2. Animal shelters and the Humane Society
This is another great place to volunteer if you enjoy working with animals and assisting them in caring for the animals. They are most definitely always looking for volunteers and donations. If you wish to help the animals they have a very simple volunteer application process.
3. Santa’s Village
In the months leading up to Christmas Santa’s Village sets up shop downtown. If you’ve lived here for a while, it’s a very nostalgic memory as a kid. Teens get to help out with little kids and parents as well as eat Christmas snacks.
4. Church
This is arguably one of the easiest ways to get service hours. If you are at church often it is quite easy to volunteer and help around at your church. There are several things to do at your church: help little kids, participate in service projects and volunteer to help out before and after the service.
5. After School-Care
Several elementary schools in the area have after-school care programs for the kids. For example, Monrovia Elementary is open to high school volunteers. It is an easy position to obtain.
6.Manna House
The Manna House is a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to fight hunger in the Huntsville area. They have many volunteer opportunities throughout the week; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday they welcome volunteers from 1 – 6:30 pm. However, on Saturday volunteers are welcome at any time.
7. House of Harvest
House of Harvest in Clift Farms is a great place to volunteer. Not only is it a great organization, but the people there are always nice and welcoming. They are a food pantry with the mission to alleviate poverty. You can volunteer on Saturday from 7 am to 9 am. Volunteers are always welcome.
8. Volunteer Coach
Recreational centers, like the YMCA, are perfect places to look for volunteer hours. They have several programs for volunteering; among the easiest is coaching children’s sports teams through them.
9.Blood drives
This is another easy way to get service hours for your clubs. By volunteering for the blood drives not only do you get out of class, but you also help guide the people who are giving blood. Certain advisors will give you service hours for giving blood at the blood drive. Sparkman hosts their blood drive, too. You can contact Mrs. Finnegan or Mrs. McDonald for information or to sign up.
10.Clean your community
This can either be done by a group of people or just you and a friend; however cleaning up your community is one of the most beneficial ways to get service hours. Not only does it help you, but it also helps the people and especially the animals around you. With less trash sitting around, there is less harm to wildlife that might be roaming your neighborhood.
All to say, service hours are not difficult to get. There are several things you can do to get your hours. They make your resume and applications look good, but they are also for your benefit as a person. Make it something that you enjoy doing and that will be beneficial to the community.
