14 Year Old Author Encourages Volunteer Work
April 6th, 2005 by Xavier Media14 Year Old Author Encourages Volunteer Work
Copyright 2004, Silvana Clark
With summer approaching, parents look for activities to fill
their children’s free time. This summer, take the advice of
14 year old Sondra Clark and encourage children to spend their
time helping a worthy cause. With a little adult supervision,
children quickly learn the inner satisfaction that comes with
helping improve the lives of people, the environment or animals.
Sondra, the author of five books, raised over $75,000 after
visiting Africa and meeting Aids orphans. “When I saw kids in
Africa my age living alone because their parents had died, I
knew I had to help them”, said Sondra.
The following are some simple volunteer activities suggested by
Sondra in her book, “You Can Change Your World!” which describes
150 volunteer projects. (Available at major bookstores and
Amazon.com)
· Bedtime Snack Sacks
Children living in homeless shelters seldom get bedtime snacks.
Decorate a number of lunch bags with markers, sequins and
glitter. Fill each bag with a juice pack and non-perishable
treat such as granola bars, packaged crackers or dried fruit.
Add a small “Happy Meals” type toy as a surprise. Deliver the
snack sacks to a women’s shelter.
· Dog and Cat Fun
Local humane societies look for volunteers to walk their dogs.
See if your family can register as dog walkers. You’ll get
exercise as well as the dogs! Kids can also collect old towels
and newspapers to donate to shelters to use for animal care.
· Fancy Flowers
Does your school have flowers growing around the entrance? Offer
to water and weed the flowers this summer.
· Outdoor Clean-up
Contact the local Parks and Recreation department to see if they
need help on trail clean-up. Children can help staff pick up
litter and maintain park facilities.
· Entertainment
Do your children have dramatic or musical talents? Encourage
them to practice a skit, song or musical piece with their
friends. Offer to present a “talent show” to a local nursing
home.
· Reading Fun
Check with your local library if children can help with the
summer reading program. They could read to younger children or
make posters about upcoming events. Perhaps your children could
dress up as a character from a book being read.
When not writing books, Sondra stays active with various
volunteer programs. She recently contacted community business
people to donate soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toys so she could
put together 200 “Goody Bags” for orphans in Africa. “Summer is
a time for fun and relaxation,” she said. “But it’s also a great
time for kids to think about others and get involved with
volunteer projects.” A portion of the proceeds from the sale
of Sondra’s five books goes to Childcare International, a
non-denominational relief agency. More information on Sondra
is available on her website, http://www.sondraclark.com
As parents look for ways to have children involved in summer
activities, check out local opportunities for volunteer work.
Children learn the internal satisfaction that comes from helping
make the world a better place.
Although she’s only 14, Sondra has published five books and is a spokesperson for two companies. She presents motivational speeches to conferences and schools around the country. With all these accomplishments, her parents wonder why she can’t figure out how to hang up her clothes and make her bed. Contact: Silvana Clark 360-734-9506 http://www.silvanaclark.com
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