Boosted confidence, a sense of satisfaction and real world experience are just some of the benefits children can gain from volunteering, says Brittany Cochran, Volunteer Services coordinator at Le Bonheur Children’s. The Mid-South offers numerous volunteer opportunities for kids by joining a community group or organization – or they can rally a few of their friends to tackle a volunteer project on their own.

And children learn valuable lessons by helping others.

• Boosted confidence
  When children realize they have the power to make a difference, they feel proud. Completing a volunteer project like cleaning up a community park gives them a sense of accomplishment when they step back and see the work they’ve done.
• Real world experience
  By stepping out into a new environment, children learn to see the world from different perspectives. Many volunteer opportunities give children or teens a chance to experience a field or industry of interest. Observing how a job or organization works allows them to “test out” a potential future career.
• A sense of satisfaction
  Just as they feel earning an A on an exam, children feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment by completing a volunteer project.

Le Bonheur offers two summer volunteer programs: one for teens and one for college-aged students.

Le Bonheur also has opportunities for adults who want to volunteer in a hospital setting. Parents can set an example by volunteering within the community themselves. Kids who see their parents helping others recognize that volunteer work is part of being a good citizen. Discover volunteer opportunities at Le Bonheur Children's.