Youth Volunteerism on the Rise: Teens Making a Difference Across Illinois and Missouri

Teens like Julia Rubin, a senior at Parkway Central High, and Ashley Kelsey, 18, from Hermann High, are examples of the growing trend of youth volunteerism in the region. Recent studies have shown an increase in high school volunteer rates, with a study by the Independent Sector indicating that participation in charity activities among youth is on the rise. This surge in volunteerism has not only given back to the community but also made a positive impact on the youth involved.

Key Takeaways:

• The Independent Sector reported an increase in high school volunteer rates, with a study indicating that participation in charity activities among youth is on the rise.
• A recent study commissioned by Kohl's Department Stores found that students are volunteering not just for church or school, but because it makes them feel good.
• Julia Rubin, a senior at Parkway Central High, has been a reading tutor for at-risk preschoolers for three years and coordinated a drive that netted 600 books for the program.
• Ashley Kelsey, 18, sewed 60 tote bags and filled them with personal care goodies for girls at Missouri Girls' Town.
• Margaret McGlynn, McKay Yancey, and Sarah Kurzu were awarded for their efforts by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, with McGlynn and Yancey winning top honors in Illinois and Missouri.
• Yancey raised $25,000 by designing and selling gray silicone bracelets reading "Diabetes -- Hoping for a Cure."
• Kurzu, a seventh-grader, crafted pearl-headed, silver-crowned angel earrings, selling them at craft fairs and a local jewelry store, and donated $2,400 to St. Louis Children's Hospital to buy toys for waiting rooms.
• McGlynn and her sister Maura volunteer at the Don Bosco Children's Center, a home for over 200 abused and neglected children, collecting toys, clothing, and books, and recruiting over 28 teens to tutor, read, or play with the children.

Statistics:

• 18 Illinois and Missouri students were awarded for their efforts by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
• Of the 480 nominated students, 18 were recognized for their volunteer work.
• $25,000 was raised by McKay Yancey through the sale of "Diabetes -- Hoping for a Cure" bracelets.
• $2,400 was donated by Sarah Kurzu to St. Louis Children's Hospital to buy toys for waiting rooms.
• 250 hospital-bound children received teddy bears from Kurzu on Christmas and Hannukah.

Sources:

• Independent Sector, a coalition of roughly 500 charities, foundations, and philanthropy programs.
• Kohl's Department Stores.
• Prudential Financial.
• National Association of Secondary School Principals.
• The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.