Impactful Community Service Ideas for High School Students

For many high schoolers, community service hours are required. Even if it isn’t a requirement for your school, doing volunteer work is valuable for personal and professional growth. It even has mental and physical benefits. Community service gives you the opportunity to give back to your local community while meeting new people along the way. The people you meet while volunteering are connections you’ll have for the future. Additionally, community service will look good on your college applications and résumé. You might host community service projects that benefit others or help local organizations; either way, these ideas will show initiative and make a difference.

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What is community service in high school?

Community service is work that you do to improve your community or support a group of people. Since you are volunteering your time, you do not get paid for it. From virtual to in-person volunteering, there are many ways to help.

Select an activity that you would like to do. For instance, if your career ambition is to be a vet, try volunteering at an animal shelter. If education is your passion, consider mentoring or tutoring younger students. Getting involved in service that relates to your passions demonstrates to colleges that your service pursuits are something that really matters.

Some groups have age limitations, so check ahead. Rule of thumb, 50-200 hours of community service is impressive to college admissions. Create a spreadsheet or log if your school does not offer a form.

For inspiration, watch this GoFundMe video about a teen club that makes and sends homemade cards to families with children in hospitals.

In-person community service ideas

Looking for in-person volunteer opportunities? Try one of these ideas in your school or community center.

1. Sponsor group bike rides

Organize a bike ride fundraiser, which is like a walk-a-thon on wheels. Ask riders to gather pledges or charge a donation drive fee per mile. Direct the money to a nonprofit or cause you care about, like a local hospital or youth program.

2. Host a fundraising event with fellow students

Support a local charity by organizing a fundraising event at school. It can be as simple as a car wash in the school parking lot. This is a great leadership opportunity and a way to rally community members around a cause. Take a look at our blog post for more fundraising event ideas.

3. Organize a bake sale for a local charity

Set up a bake sale with classmates, offering cookies, brownies, and other treats. Give the proceeds to a selected food pantry, Red Cross, or education-focused nonprofit.

Virtual community service ideas

Can’t meet in person? These virtual community service projects are just as impactful.

4. Start a virtual food drive

Natural disasters and economic hardship leave many without basic essentials. Organize a food drive in partnership with a local food bank. Use GoFundMe to raise money online and share your effort via social media. With GoFundMe’s fundraising tools, you can easily create, share, and raise money for your cause. Crowdfunding also has other advantages, such as a short turnaround time to receive the money you raised. This means the charity you’re fundraising for will get immediate support. View our blog for tips on how to plan a donation drive to help you get started.

5. Send supplies to a local animal shelter

Animals need our help, too. Contact a nearby animal shelter to see what items they need. Gather supplies or fundraise to buy them. Many shelters appreciate help with pet food, blankets, and cleaning supplies. Discover animal fundraisers on GoFundMe to see how other people are raising money for animals that need help.

6. Make care packages for those in need

Create care packages with snacks, hygiene products, socks, and handwritten notes. Send them to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or senior centers to support unhoused individuals and senior citizens.

More ideas to give back

Still looking for the perfect match? Here are more ways to help:

Volunteer at a nursing home or senior center. Provide companionship, lead an activity, or deliver books from the local library.
Help with community garden projects that address food equity and the environment.
Collaborate on awareness campaigns about climate change, literacy, or mental healthcare.
Build homes or help with repair projects through Habitat for Humanity.
Tutor at an after-school program or help with school supplies collection drives.
Participate in internships with nonprofits or city organizations to gain experience and give back.

Give back to a cause that is doing great work

Engaging in community service helps out an organization or group of people, but it also contributes to your personal growth. You can plant in a local park, assist at a food bank, or support a fundraising cause for a nonprofit; whichever path you take, you’re bringing real change to the community.

Volunteering helps you grow, connect, and stand out on your college applications. It also gives you the chance to work with driven individuals and gain meaningful experience.

Make an even bigger impact by launching a GoFundMe fundraiser. GoFundMe has fundraising tips and guides to help you succeed.

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