Volunteering is a great way to get involved at M-A and the local community. Whether it be taking care of pets at a shelter, going on service trips, or counseling kids, volunteering is a niche and personal experience for each individual that creates a positive impact on the community. Here are some volunteer opportunities at and near M-A.
M-A Service Learning Center
M-A’s Service Learning Center is the perfect place to start your volunteering journey. Senior co-president Emiko Edmunds has been involved with the SLC since her sophomore year. “We seek to provide equally accessible service opportunities and empower students of all backgrounds to find purpose by serving the Menlo-Atherton community,” she said.
The SLC runs volunteer opportunities at M-A and in the surrounding community. At M-A, the SLC partners with sports teams and classes, including the water polo team, AVID, and the Computer Academy. “We try to make sure that we structure service learning with an emphasis on both service and learning to partner the community and students,” Edmunds said. In the community, the SLC hosts Garden Days at the Belle Haven Community Garden, where students help clean and reorganize the garden.
“Going into service, we make sure people are aware of the issues communities are facing and the benefits of service learning,” Edmunds said. “There are so many benefits that you can get from volunteering, whether that’s finding a sense of purpose or community. It can really transform your life as well as other communities.”
The Service Learning Center meets in P-5 on Mondays during lunch. To learn more about the club, follow their Instagram.
Palo Alto Art Center
The Palo Alto Art Center is an option for artistic teens interested in helping children activate their creativity. They have many opportunities to volunteer throughout the year that are flexible options to teens’ schedules like day events.
In the summer, the PAAC holds art camps for children, where high schoolers have the chance to be counselors in training. During the school year, the PAAC has options where students can volunteer for art events. “Most of our teens volunteer in our kid and teen camps and classes. These teens assist the teaching artists in prepping for a class, helping the students in the class, and cleaning up,” Rebecca Passarello, Director of Volunteer Engagement, said.
“Many of our students truly enjoy working with kids. Many, but not all, of the volunteers are also artists themselves and learn from the teaching artist that they are volunteering with,” Passarello said.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities with the PAAC, contact Passarello’s email [email protected].
Pets In Need
Pets In Need is an animal center located in Palo Alto dedicated to providing animals with caring and loving homes through adoption, serving as a perfect volunteer opportunity for animal-loving teens. “We accomplish our mission by transferring cats and dogs to our facilities from public shelters in the Bay Area and beyond when they are in danger of being euthanized due to space or financial limitations,” Marketing Manager Eddie Solis said.
There are a variety of opportunities for students to volunteer at Pets In Need. From walking dogs to spreading awareness about Pets In Need’s mission, students have a wide range of options. Teens can get involved by organizing fundraisers, shelter volunteering, or assist with in-shelter or office roles. To Solis, fundraising is one of the most impactful volunteer options. “All donations go directly to the Pets In Need fund, supporting our Animal Care and Outreach teams in purchasing necessary pet supplies and food for the animals in our care,” Solis said.
“Volunteering is not only a chance to help animals in need but also an opportunity to gain valuable skills, connect with like-minded peers, and experience the joy of giving back,” Solis said. “Whether you can commit a few hours a week or a day each month, your contribution helps save lives and build a brighter future for animals in our care,” Solis said.
To learn more about volunteering at Pets In Need, reach out to the email [email protected].
Ecumenical Hunger Program
The Ecumenical Hunger Program is a food distribution center that aims to provide those in need with basic necessities, including food and clothing. Located in East Palo Alto, EHP serves families living in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and surrounding areas.
EHP has various programs for students to volunteer in. The Food Closet sorts, stocks, and packs food boxes to distribute to the community Monday through Thursday. Students can also volunteer in the warehouse, where they sort and organize through donations.
M-A partners with EHP for Distribution Day with their annual Canned Food Drive. “There are a lot of families who look forward to that yearly. In addition to what we give, M-A is able to raise money and get specific items that they want to give,” Executive Assistant CarsJanae Pettiford said.
“Every toy, every pair of sheets, and every canned food that’s brought in, we are giving back to the community. By volunteering, you provide that safety net for members in our community to have what they need,” Pettiford said. “A lot of people rely so heavily on people’s generosity and kindness, so being that person, you’re being the change you want to see.”
Pettiford advised students interested in volunteering to “be of service, continue to be open, and be mindful of what you’re doing.” “You’re contributing to a way better world. We are losing people who really want to give back, so continue volunteering,” she said.
To learn more about volunteering at EHP, reach out to the email [email protected].
