Monday, June 12, 2006

Houston Kids Volunteer

Many Houston parents have asked me how to get their kids (especially preteens & teens) involved in volunteer activities. I'm listening. Here are some great starters.

Are you a good role model by volunteering yourself? Even when it's as simple as baking cookies for your church or synagogue or helping a neighbor, you are your child's first example of the importance in voluntering. I've found that kids as young as 3 years old can help in community outreach, although some volunteer activities actually require older children.

If you want more structured volunteer opportunities, here are some that your older children (and you) can check out this summer in Houston.

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc.
Contact: Marc Cohen
713-623-6796

Memorial Hermann Hospital
www.MemorialHermann.org/Services/Volunteer.html
Must be age 15 or older

American Diabetes Association
Contact: Ralston Creswell
713-977-7706 x6083

Museum of Fine Arts
Contact: Lou Palermo
713-639-7749 LPalermo@mfah.org

BEAR...Be A Resource for CPS Kids
Contact: Charlotte Pennye
713-695-5149
Must be age 16 or older; I love reading to kids
& really enjoyed this volunteer opportunity.

Reach Out & Read, Texas
Contact: Diane Latson
713-500-3836

The Children's Museum of Houston
Contact: Renee Gonzalez
713-522-1138

DePelchin Children's Center
Contact: Wendy Wood
713-802-7792

Sheltering Arms Senior Services
Contact: Joan Arnold
713-667-2840

Dress for Success
Contact: Chandra Brooks
713-957-3779

SPCA
Contact: Julie Knapp
713-869-7722 x129
www.SPCAHouston.org

Holocaust Museum Houston
Contact: Suzanne Sutherland
713-942-8000 x102 Sutherland@hmh.org

The Houston Food Bank
713-547-8609
www.HoustonFoodBank.org

Star of Hope
Contact: Elizabeth Hatler
713-748-0700 x222
Must be age 16 or older

Houston Museum of Natural Science
Contact: David Temple
713-639-4629

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas
Contact: Maggi Suttles
713-792-7180

Teen Health Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine
Contact: Peggy B. Smith
713-873-3601
High school seniors only

Texas Children's Hospital
Contact: Pat Dolan
832-824-1000

Special thanks to the Junior League of Houston for identifying these great volunteer activities for Houston kids.

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