14 Year Old Author Encourages Summer Volunteer Work

14 year old author of five books encourages kids to volunteer this summer. Sondra Clark gives tips on volunteering in her book, "You Can Change Your World!"

Bellingham, WA (PRWEB) May 28, 2004 -- With summer approaching, parents look for activities to fill their childrens 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 for Childcare International. 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 fourth 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 womens shelter.

•Dog and Cat Fun
Local humane societies look for volunteers to walk their dogs. See if your family can register as dog walkers. Youll 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.

When not writing books, Sondra stays active with various volunteer programs. She recently contacted community business people to donate soap, shapoo, 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 its also a great time for kids to think about others and get involved with volunteer projects."

Contact Info: Silvana Clark                                        
360-734-9506
silvanac@msn.com
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