How teens can make a difference and do something good this summer
by ARA
Jul 08, 2012 | 37847 views | 0 0 comments | 498 498 recommendations | email to a friend | print
How teens can make a difference and do something good this summer

(ARA) - Every teenager looks forward to the lazy days of summer. But don't underestimate the power of today's youth - a growing number want to do something to make a difference. A simple idea paired with desire and drive is all teens need in order to help others.



If you're a parent, it's smart to encourage your teen to get involved in the community. It makes you both feel good and can be a wonderful learning opportunity. The first step is to find an idea that inspires you both and can make the most of your teen's downtime during the summer.



For example, each summer Staples and DoSomething.org team up for a national school supply drive, seeking help from teens across the country. Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for local kids in need. Both teens and parents can participate by collecting and donating school supplies such as pens, pencils and notebooks and dropping them off at collection sites in Staples stores nationwide or making a donation at the register to help students start the year off right.



This year, Staples for Students is joining forces with teen actress and singer Bella Thorne to get the word out for this great cause. "There are so many kids in America who return to school without basic school supplies, and I'm thrilled to team up with Staples and DoSomething.org to encourage teens to lend a hand," says Thorne about the campaign.



Once your child is committed to the cause, it's time to put your plan in motion. Remember, even small gestures can make a big difference for those in need. Whether you are collecting school supplies for Staples for Students, canned goods for the local food shelf or clothing for homeless folks in your community, here are some fun ideas to get your efforts started.



1. Host a movie night this summer and invite friends and family. Admission is a spiral notebook or canned good, depending on the type of drive you've chosen.



2. If you are attending summer camp, ask the counselor if you can set up a bin and hand out fliers to fellow campers about your drive. Have people place donations in the bin.



3. Be a beach bum with a cause and gather your friends for a beach-themed party. Have each guest bring an item to donate as admission. Provide food, music, fun decor and summer games for guests to enjoy.



4. Chat it up on social media. It's no secret teens love Facebook and other online outlets. Talk about your cause and goals often, and watch as others step up to help with donations and posts to help spread your message.



Helping others is a great, proactive way for teens to spend the lazy days of summer and feel good about what they've achieved within their community. When everyone lends a hand and works together, great things can be accomplished.
Share This Free article |
report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.