Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.”
Here at the Office of Public Engagement, we believe no truer words were ever spoken.
That’s why we’re supporting Philadelphia’s young people in finding their passion for serving others through our second annual Summer of Service initiative. Summer of Service was created to connect youth with meaningful, impactful, and accessible service opportunities.
So often, barriers to service for young people are higher than those for adults for a few reasons:
- Volunteer organizations don’t have the capacity or ability to supervise youth volunteers.
- Young people generally want to be close to their neighborhoods and need easy transit options for work and community service opportunities.
- Service opportunities aren’t properly vetted and may not be appropriate for younger volunteers.
Even with those barriers, young people are still some of our most motivated and active change agents: Teens are twice as likely as adults to volunteer. When young people volunteer, they’re building community, learning new skills, and increasing their sense of purpose. Not to mention, the School District of Philadelphia requires that all high-school students complete 120 hours of community service in order to graduate.
Once again, we’ve partnered with some of the most trusted nonprofits in Philadelphia.
Our goal is to expose young people to service opportunities from all over the city, and across a range of organizations working on worthy causes. You could help those experiencing food insecurity by helping to sort food donations at Philabundance, prepare meals for those who are chronically ill with MANNA, or get your hands dirty tending grounds at the Corinthian Gardens! Whichever way you choose to serve, our partner organizations have ensured that the experience will be organized, worthwhile, and impactful!
When it comes to young people, we have to ensure that we are providing spaces and opportunities for them to do good.
Summer of Service will run from June 1 through August 13 at multiple sites. Share this with a young person and encourage them to sign up today!
Circle Thrift
Tuesday, June 11, 10:00am – 12:00pm
South Broad Street Store: 1125 S. Broad St., 19147
Kensington Store: 2233 Frankford Ave., 19125
Circle Thrift is an initiative of Circle of Hope – a consignment store where those experiencing insecurities of any fashion can shop with dignity. Register for Circle Thrift volunteer opportunities here.
MANNA
Tuesday, June 18, 10:00am -1:00pm
420 N. 20th St., 19130
MANNA is a nonprofit organization that cooks and eliovers nutritious, medically-appropriate meals and provides nutrition to neighbors who are battling life-threatening illnesses. Register for MANNA volunteer opportunities here.
Philabundance
Tuesday, July 2, 12:30pm – 3:00pm
3626 S. Galloway St., 19148
Philabundance works with individuals, corporations, foundations, and the government to drive hunger from out communities and end hunger forever. Register for volunteer opportunities with Philabundance here.
Wawa Welcome America
June 27 – July 4, Various Shifts
Various Locations
Wawa Welcome America is a multi-day festival with FREE multicultural and multigenerational events celebrating America’s birthday in American’s birthplace — Philadelphia! Stay tuned for more information!
Broad Street Ministry
Monday, July 15, 10:30am – 1:30pm
315 S. Broad St., 19107
At Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative, a meal is more than a meal – it is a re-introduction to human connection and the wraparound services our guests need to thrive. Register here for volunteer opportunities with Broad Street Ministry.
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
Tuesday, July 16, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, July 23, 11:00am -12:00pm
302 N. 13th St., 19107
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission offers a variety of programs and services to accomplish our mission of providing for the practical and spiritual needs of hungry, homeless, and hurting individuals in the Philadelphia area. Register for the July 16 opportunity here. Register for the July 23 opportunity here.
SHARE Food Program
Tuesday, July 30, 10:00am – 12:00pm
2901 W. Hunting Park Ave., 19129
SHARE Food Program is a vibrant, high-impact organization, recognized for our strong leadership role in reducing regional hunger and expanding access to nutritious, affordable food. Register for volunteer opportunities with the share Food Program here.
Philly Free Streets
Saturday, August 3, 7:00am – 2:00pm (various shifts)
North Broad Street
Every year, Philly Free Streets temporarily transforms a few miles of city streets into a space for neighbors to come out and play. Volunteers will help provide information and mobile support throughout the event. Register for Philly Free Streets volunteer opportunities here.
Corinthian Gardens
Tuesday, August 6, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, August 13, 10:00am -12:00pm
760 Corinthian Ave., 19130
Eastern State Penitentiary Park (the Corinthia Gardens) was established in 1996 by local residents as a green space for the enjoyment of the local community and a recreation area. August 6: Register here for the August 6 opportunity. Register here for the August 13 opportunity.
