Volunteering to help others not only offers a meaningful, strengthening effect on our community, but also promotes personal growth and provides the opportunity to give back.

The Pacific American Volunteer Association (PAVA) is a non-profit organization focused on preserving the environment and encouraging friendly relationships with local communities. PAVA not only provides volunteering opportunities, such as environmental cleanup and restoration work, but also offers youth multicultural drumming and dance classes for free. After five months of practice, those involved in the drumming and dance classes have the privilege of performing at the Rose parade, Hollywood parade, Disney parade, and many other special events throughout the year. Thinking of her experience, Grace Suh (11)  shares, “PAVA is an amazing volunteer organization. PAVA gave me the opportunity to serve local communities and be connected to my culture and roots. I have been volunteering for PAVA for almost three years, and I have been learning a lot from it.”

Children’s Services, at the Yorba Linda Library, also provides great volunteer opportunities. Volunteers from Children’s Services enhance and improve the service and programs the library offers to children in our community. “I really enjoy volunteering at the library,” comments E Jin Keum (11), “People who need help often ask for help from me and I feel great after helping them.” The City of Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Department also has a volunteer program that includes various opportunities to serve in the following areas: senior citizen program, youth program, teen program, family program, and community special events. The Yorba Linda Library has been accepting volunteer applications for the 2014-2015 school year, so make sure to turn in the application if interested!

Furthermore, some clubs here at school, such as Key Club, WE Club, and Red Cross also include activities that involve volunteering for the community. The YLHS Key Club secretary Clara Doung (11) said, “Being part of Key Club has been absolutely amazing. We do a lot of activities that revolve around carnivals, fairs, beaches, and amusement parks. It’s a whole new experience on making new friends and helping the community!” Key Club, WE Club, and Red Cross also offer community service hours, so make sure to join these clubs and get involved!

Become a volunteer, and make a difference in our community!