In order to graduate from Academic Magnet, a total of ninety hours of community service is required and you receive a special cord for completing at least one hundred and twenty hours. Not everybody reaches that one hundred and twenty mark, because even the ninety hours can seem daunting. Sometimes you just have no idea what you can do for the community, but don’t worry there’s plenty of opportunities to help out around Charleston.

Below is a  special event happening this month that you can volunteer for:

Turkey Day Run

• HALOS (Helping and Lending Outreach Support) is the recipient of the annual Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble this year. Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the race, November 24-26. The shifts cover set up,  the expo, and race day. If you’d like to volunteer or want more information about the event contact Tara Durham at tara@charlestonhalos.org. 

If you are unable to make it to either of those events, here are some organization that need year round volunteers:

South Carolina Competes

• FARE Play: Aims to improve math skills of disadvantaged elementary and middle school students through the use of fantasy sports. Strong math students who are interested fantasy sports are needed to mentor the students. Contact Junior Jackson Pogue if you are interested.

Meeting Street Academy

• The mission of the schools is to expand the educational opportunities of children from low-resource neighborhoods. They are seeking high school students to assist the teachers in the classroom, read books to the students, help monitor the playground, engage in whatever activity the teacher has planned, and to even help plan some activities. Volunteers can sign up for several or just one day a week and 

Charleston County Public Library

• The library  is always looking for volunteers who want to get involved and help with programs, projects, special events and helping patrons. If you want an application, go to their website and under the “About Us” tab you will find it. Volunteers must be 16 years or older

Children’s Museum of Lowcountry

• Teen volunteers needed to work on the floor of the Museum or as Camp Counselors. You need to complete the Youth Application available on the website and once your application is reviewed and processed, you will be added to their volunteer database and will receive upcoming volunteer opportunities via email

Fields to Families

• Volunteers are needed to pick surplus vegetables at area farms, work in community gardens, and work at information tables at local farmers markets.  Students should go to the website and click on the Volunteer tab and fill out the volunteer application.  They will then receive emails with details of vegetable harvesting and other events

Friends of Charles Towne Landing

• Volunteers needed to collect toys for the animals, maintain habitats in the Animal Forest, work at events like movie nights and 5k runs and special history days.  Contact through website for upcoming events.

MUSC Children’s Hospital

• Teenagers sixteen and older can be involved with playing with the children in the hospital. In order to be selected, you must complete an application and submit a letter of reference. Applications can be found on their website.

North Charleston Creative Arts

• Hours available for after school kaleidoscope. You help the elementary school children, grades 1-5 with their homework, play with them, read to them. You must wear your Academic Magnet ID in order to be let into the school. If you wish to participate, just show up and say Mrs. Colon sent you. You are encourage to go with a group of a couple of friends.

Rain and Shine

• Rain and Shine helps with therapeutic horseback riding. Volunteers sixteen and older are needed as side walkers, horse handlers, feeders, and barn work. Check the website if you want more information.

SC Aquarium

• Ages 14-15: Splash program- a child and parent apply to be an exhibit guide
• Ages 16-17: Aquateen program- students can submit applications to become an exhibit guide. Only ten students will be chosen for the opportunity

Even if none of these opportunities appeal to you, there’s still plenty to do to help out the Charleston community!