Do the right thing: how to become a volunteer.

Once a week, 15-year-old Krystal goes to a nursing home after school. She visits with the people who live there. She goes to see Mrs. Smalls, who is 88. Mrs. Smalls can't get out of bed by herself anymore, and her vision is poor. When she sees Krystal, the woman's face lights up. Krystal pulls a chair close to her bed and chats for a while. Then she reads to Mrs. Smalls from the local newspaper.

Later, Krystal takes Mr. Rosen to the dining room for dinner. She spoons small amounts of mashed potato into his mouth. Since he had a stroke, Mr. Rosen has had a hard time moving his body. Sometimes he becomes confused and thinks Krystal is his wife, Edith, who is no longer alive. Krystal doesn't mind. As she gently wipes his mouth with a napkin, Krystal sees Mr. Rosen's pale blue eyes shine with gratitude.

Krystal doesn't get paid to do her work. She's a volunteer. Do you want to help other people? Here's how to get started.

Where to Start

You can research volunteer opportunities online. Look for an organization that focuses on something important to you. A great site to check out is www.volunteermatch.org. You can also ask a teacher or a parent for suggestions.

Once you pick a group to volunteer with, find the organization's Web site. That will give you important facts, such as where the group is and whom you should contact to get more information. Make sure that any volunteer work you pick fits with your schedule. Find out whether you can volunteer after school or on weekends.

Try Something New

Don't be afraid to try something new. If you've always wanted to help build houses for homeless people but have never held a hammer, you can still help out. Kate Pride Brown, the spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, says, "We train volunteers. No building experience is required." Many groups offer to teach volunteers.

Here are some ideas.

To help             Look here

animals             local animal shelters or
                    the Humane Society of
                    the United States
                    (www.hsus.org)

homeless or         local homeless shelters,
  the needy         soup kitchens, or the
                    American Red Cross
                    (www.redcross.org/donate/
                    volunteer)

environment         local or state parks or
                    Students Conserving
                    America (www.thesca.org)

children            local libraries, day care
                    centers, hospitals, or
                    Ronald McDonald House
                    Charities (www.rmhc.com)

sick or elderly     local hospitals, nursing
  people            homes, or Meals on
                    Wheels (www.mowaa.org)

Quiz

What did you learn about choosing to volunteer? Circle the letter for the best answer to each question.

1. Michelle wants to volunteer, but she is at school all day. Can she still help?

(A) No, volunteering is only for people with nothing else to do.

(B) Yes, but she'll have to drop out of school.

(C) Yes, she can find an organization that will let her help after school or on weekends.

2. Carlos has always wanted a pet but can't have one in his condo. Where should he look for volunteer work?

(A) animal shelter

(B) local hospital

(C) nursing home

3. Peter wants to help people who have been left homeless by a hurricane. Where can he volunteer?

(A) nursing home

(B) American Red Cross

(C) Ronald McDonald House Charities