Volunteering is a wonderful way to help out companies, individuals, and organizations in the community. A lot of times, we get students coming down to the counseling office asking if we know of any opportunities. Truly, there are opportunities all over! It just takes the courage to reach out and ask. Below are some organizations that Deer Lakes School District is aware of that are looking for volunteers.
There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to volunteer in their communities. The important part is that you find an activity that correlates to your interests and skills and stick with it, rather than going from charity to charity, because colleges want to see that you really care about the cause and aren't just padding your resume. Make sure you check the age restrictions before you sign up, because some organizations require volunteers to be 18+.
Allegheny Valley Hospital / Allegheny Health Network - Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights is looking for student volunteers aged 16 and older. While they are specifically recruiting for AVH, students can explore opportunities throughout the Allegheny Health Network when visiting the website. Click
Recruiting Flyer w-QR code- students Ver 2024.pdf
AHN Student Volunteer Program.pdf
For more information or to apply online, go to the website.
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (724)226-0606
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley (724)339-7388 - Scholarship available for hours served.
Animal Friends (412)847-7070 A non-profit animal shelter that provides refuge, aid, and care for unwanted, abandoned, and abused animals. Every animal that enters is guaranteed a safe haven with no time limit for adoption. Volunteer incentives: Flexible hours, Hours Recognition Program, Awards & Annual Appreciation Banquet.
Bakerstown United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School Program
Bakerstown United Methodist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School Program July 10th - 14th for pre-K through rising 5th-grade students and is looking for volunteers to help at craft, game, music, and snack stations. Click here for the flyer!
Are you a teen who loves Carnegie Museums? Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your summer and gain valuable experience? Apply to become a teen volunteer assistant with our museum summer camps! As a summer camps teen volunteer, you will help museum staff and camp educators with a variety of educational activities to ensure campers have a fun, safe, engaging experience.
OR be a volunteer at any of the 4 Carnegie Museums: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center or the Andy Warhol Museum.
Please Note: Volunteer placement is determined by a combination of staffing needs, experience, and availability.
Central Blood Bank - Heights Plaza (412)209-7220
A certified therapeutic riding center for those physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. Volunteers are the backbone of Elliot Acres. Whether you enjoy being around horses, helping those with disabilities or doing handy work, we have a job for you....horse leaders, side walkers stable work. We also have a running list of day projects that volunteer groups (scouts, churches, schools, families, etc.) can assist with. For more information, visit the website, call 724-991-2477 or e-mail dechorsesr1@gmail.com or EATRvolunteering@gmail.com . See these flyers for more information: Oritentation Day 2023.pdf Volunteer 2023 Flyer .pdf
Good Samaritan Hospice - 800-720-2557 or 724-933-8888 - Volunteers are always welcome and needed. All volunteers must complete a volunteer application form GSH Volunteer Application 2-21.pdf, per the Hospice Medical Regulations, and receive training from the Good Samaritan Hospice staff. The amount of training depends upon the area of volunteer interest. Volunteers choose the amount of time they wish to volunteer as well as the geographical areas in which they wish to serve. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Provide companionship & support to patients
- Give caregivers much needed breaks
- Help in the inpatient units (Wexford, Cabot, Beaver)
- Run errands, do light laundry, housekeeping
- Share prayer or spiritual support
- Cook or bake
- Play music or sing
- Visit with a therapy pet
- Provide massage therapy
- Help patients write or tell their life stories
- Assist staff with administrative tasks & special events
You can e-mail your application to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@good-samaritanhospice.org. You can also fax it to 724-933-8844 or mail it to: Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator; 116 Browns Hill Road; Suite 100; Valencia, PA 16059
Kindred Hospice - Kindred Hospice has various locations in the area that are looking for volunteers to help provide comfort and companionship to their patients. Time may be spent listening to music with a patient, engaging in conversation, reassuring patients they are not alone, completing arts and crafts, and so much more. If you are interested in volunteering, visit their website.
North Hills Community Outreach - Harriet Klatte (412)487-6316 x-3204 Our Lady of the Lakes Parish - Bairdford, PA (724)265-2070
EVERY volunteer role in the parish (even if it does not involve contact with children) requires clearances to be obtained before participating in ministry or volunteer service. THIS IS A DIOCESAN REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS !! If you have not submitted your clearances to the parish office, or if your clearances have expired and need to be renewed, please contact the parish office 724-265-2070 ext. 202, or by e-mail at safeoll@ollakes.org) as soon as possible. We are happy to help you obtain the necessary clearances. The clearance applications can be completed easily on-line at home.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium - The summer Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 14-17, who are interested in animals and conservation. It is designed to give teens a glimpse into what it is like to work in a zoo setting, as well as teach them the importance of sharing conservation messages. Zoo Teens volunteer once a week, from 9:30am-4:00 pm for a span of six weeks. Requirements: Must be 14-17 years of age (having turned 14 by June 1 of current year); Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 6-week program period. Zoo Teen Activities include: Handling and care of Ambassador Animals; Exhibit Guiding; Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables and informal animal presentations; Assisting with Animal Adventures Zoo Camp; Educational opportunities such as classes, special tours, and keeper talks. Application period opens in December of every year. All prospective Zoo Teens will be interviewed in person prior to acceptance into the program.
The Woodlands - The Woodlands is an organization located in the North HIlls that serves to enrich the lives of children and adults with chronic disability. The barrier free environment encourages individuals to explore and take part in their camps, retreats, clubs and events. To find out how you can volunteer, visit their website.
TRY - A Special Needs Organization - TRY is an organization that is located in Wexford, PA. The organization provides year round activities for individuals with special needs and is always looking for volunteers. Visit their website to find out more information.
UPMC St. Margaret's Hospital - Alexis Walker (724)784-4081 - Must be 15 to volunteer.
West Deer Dog Shelter - Barb (724)265-2780
West Deer Food Bank - Carol McCaskey (724)312-5656
West Deer Senior Citizen Center - (724)443-8220 - Program run by the Catholic Youth Association. Call (412)621-3342 to inquire about volunteering.
If you want even more options or need help finding local volunteer opportunities, check out the organization website. This website can connect you with area organizations based on your skills and interests. Students can use the advanced search page to filter listings for those that are good for groups or good for teens. There are even some virtual volunteer jobs that can be completed from home.
Projects through organizations in your community. You can use your knowledge and skills to help others in your community as an independent or group activity.
- Teach computer skills at your local library or senior center.
- Tutor at a community center, your high school, or another school in your area.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter. (NB: Age restrictions may apply.)
- Volunteer at a local daycare.
- Help out at a children’s reading group at your library.
- Run social media for a nonprofit.
- Help out at an afterschool program.
- Volunteer at a hospital.
- Donate your time to a senior center.
- Start a community garden.
DIY Community Service Opportunities
- Send care packages to deployed troops.
- Collect gifts for children’s hospitals.
- Start a book drive and donate books to a local library or literacy center.
- Prepare meals for soup kitchens and homeless centers.
- Have a bake sale to raise money for a charity of your choosing.
- Organize a letter-writing campaign to write letters to your state representatives about an important cause.
- Knit blankets for people in need. Check out Project Linus for tips.
- Race for the Cure: Organize a group to run or walk and raise money for breast cancer research.
- Earth Day cleanup: Collect trash or clean up a park to promote environmental awareness.
- Blood Drive: Connect with the Red Cross to organize a drive at your school. (NB: Donors must be 18+ to participate, or 17 with parental permission.)
- Be the Match Registry: Recruit others to join the bone marrow registry. You could also volunteer and join events to fundraise for the organization. (NB: You must be 18+ to donate.)
- National disaster relief fundraiser: Host an event to raise funds to help people and communities affected by a disaster.
Check out website to find projects that our important to you. Through this site, you can specify the type of project, time commitment, and cause you'd prefer.
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Meet Cooper, DLHS Certified Therapy Dog!!!! Cooper is a Golden Retriever and has been in training for several years. He belongs to Mrs. Tina Pascucci, one of the DLHS School Counselors, and is accompanied by her at all times. Cooper is in the building one day a week.
