Community Service

Scholarship committees look for individuals who have served their communities as volunteers. Community service is considered a great way to build important skills, develop good character and increase work values. Volunteering offers opportunities to give back to your community, learn important on-the-job skills and try new things. It also gives you the chance to meet new people and feel engaged in your city. Please consider making time on Saturdays, after school or even during the summer months to volunteer in your community.

This site provides a list of local community or volunteer opportunities available for middle- and high-school students as well as college students.

YMCA Early Learning Readiness Program

Date(s) of Commitment: Unspecified

Description: Volunteers join in play activities with caregivers and children, model positive behavior and promote early learning.
Wayside Waifs Teen Service Program

Date(s) of Commitment: Ongoing

Description: The Wayside Waifs Teen Service Program is ideal for completing service hours required by schools, teen groups, and other civic organizations. Each group must consist of four to 10 people, ages 16 or older, who plan to donate their time together. Teens completing this program are fully trained volunteers and are encouraged to continue volunteering at Wayside Waifs.
United Way of Wyandotte County

Date(s) of Commitment: Vary according to placement

Description: Through a network of partner agencies, United Way of Wyandotte County helps meet basic needs, nurtures children and families, and improves health and quality of life. Volunteers make this work possible.
TurnStyles Thrift Store (Catholic Charities Program)

Date(s) of Commitment: Unspecified

Description: Volunteers assist in the thrift store, working in a fun and helpful retail environment.
Rosedale Development Association

Date(s) of Commitment: Unspecified

Description: Needs volunteers to help clean the community gardens when the growing season comes to an end.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City

Date(s) of Commitment: Ongoing

Description: On any given night, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City serves 67 families. Last year, the RMHCKC Houses and Family Room provided lodging to more than 5,000 families and supported nearly 46,000 visits from family and friends of in-patients at Children's Mercy Hospital. Volunteers sign up to cook for families, often in groups of friends, families, co-workers or church members.
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City

Date(s) of Commitment: Special events are held on Saturdays, but volunteer opportunities are available throughout the week.

Description: The shelter needs volunteers to help socialize and exercise the animals and to provide other assistance to the staff. Walking dogs (must be 18 years of age or older), petting and grooming cats, or doing laundry, filing, paperwork and outside yard work are some of the ways volunteers help.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

Date(s) of Commitment: Unspecified

Description: Volunteers unload and sort donated items, keep shelves in the pantry stocked and prepare and distribute sacks to clients. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.