Generation SERVE, like local schools and other organizations, has pressed pause on their youth and family volunteer activities for the time being in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. However, this doesn’t mean that your family has to stop helping local nonprofit organizations and working for the betterment of your community – even while staying home!
Generation SERVE has put together a list of ways youth and families in Central Texas can work on service projects from home or out in nature. Below you’ll find a few of their great ideas, but please find all listed at generationserve.org/helpingwhilehome. This list will continue to be updated over time as more nonprofit needs are identified, so please check that page frequently!
-> Help Local Food Pantries and Food Banks
- Cleaning out your closets while your family is home from school? Make t-shirt bags for Travis County Food Pantries using this YouTube tutorial. Bring the completed t-shirt bags to the Generation SERVE offices when we re-open or to your next Generation SERVE activity and we will donate them for you.
- Host a virtual food drive for Central Texas Food Bank! You can find instructions on their website here.
-> Create Cards and Wallets for Those in Need
- Create cards for children with chronic illness – please use positive messages such as “Stay Strong”, “You Are Awesome”, “You Rock”, “Never forget how amazing you are”, “I hope you have a great day”, or “Be Brave”. Bring completed cards to the Generation SERVE offices when we re-open or to your next Generation SERVE activity. We will be sure to follow CDC guidelines and wait 10 days before handling or sending the cards to Cards for Hospitalized Kids.
- Make cards and duct tape wallets for people experiencing homelessness served by Front Steps. You can find instructions here. Bring completed cards and wallets to the Generation SERVE offices when we re-open or to your next Generation SERVE activity and we will be sure to donate them for you.
–> Learning and Serving in Nature
- Check out eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related science project. Contribute your bird sightings through their website here and learn about the more than 100 million bird sightings they have already catalogued.
- Zooniverse gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to participate in real research with over 50 active online citizen science projects. Check out available projects that you might be able to contribute to here.
-> Drives and Online Fundraisers
- Consider supporting Foster Angels by making a donation to provide a family with access to groceries or to cover the rent for a young adult who may not be able to work right now.
- Organize an online fundraiser for Operation Warm. Use your time in these weeks to gather gently-used coats to donate.
For many more ideas, please click here.
-> Looking Ahead: Generation Serve has several programs to get involved with later this year. Please take a look at these great opportunities:
- Teen Leadership Program
Teens interested in learning and serving this summer, can check out Generation SERVE’s Teen Leadership Program. Applications are being accepted now for this program which will include 4 different cohorts teens can choose from based on their availability. Teens interested in applying can visit generationserve.org/youthleadershipprogram to apply. Applications are due on April 3rd so this break from school is a great time to get those applications in! - Dedicated Family Placement at McKinney Falls
Generation SERVE will bring teens with a parent/guardian to McKinney Falls State Park this summer to educate visitors about water safety. This program, in coordination with Colin’s Hope and Texas Parks & Wildlife, is now accepting registrations. Learn more and register at generationserve.org/teenservice - Family Volunteering Activities and Teen Service Days After April 6th
Generation SERVE’s Family Volunteering activities and Teen Service Days are cancelled through April 6th at this time. They hope to be able to get back to serving their partner organizations through activities after that time. Families that would like to sign up to participate in April, can do so by visiting generationserve.org and clicking on the CALENDAR button. (They will stay in touch with all families who have signed up if further cancelations are necessary.)
Please visit generationserve.org and sign up for their email newsletter to stay abreast of many opportunities to give back to the Austin community.
