Giving DuPage launches volunteer video contest

Growing up in Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s, Kathy Blair was exposed to volunteer work at an early age. She went along as her mother pitched in and frequently helped others.

Whether it was at church or as part of the local Girl Scout troop, Blair said her mother’s philanthropy planted a seed in her that remains to this day.

But as technology has advanced and more high school groups offer students a chance to help out, she said that seed can, and should, be planted more often.

“It’s getting kids at a younger age, creating that culture,” said Blair, who heads Wheaton-based Giving DuPage. “So many of the schools, so many clubs now have a service component.”

For a few high school students, that service could win them some cash. Giving DuPage is accepting entries into a viral video contest that asks high school students to document their volunteer work.

Submissions will be accepted until April 8 and finalists will be shown during Volopalooza, a celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 10 at McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

For rules and submission requirements, visit dupageco.org/givingdupage or schooltube.com.

Blair said the selflessness of high school students impresses her when she speaks to them at volunteer fairs.

“Working with them, and out in the community and listening, I am astounded by how many teens come up and say they volunteer,” she said. “What’s different now is that the social conscience of our kids has been raised in DuPage County. Over time, this has been a very comfortable place to live. But they are starting to see the need out there.”

One person who has seen the need is 15-year-old Jamie Randell. The Naperville North High School freshman submitted her video last month and said she volunteers as often as she can.

“I just wanted to share my experience about volunteering and hoping to get everyone else motivated,” she said.

In her one-minute video, “Super Volunteer,” Randell talks about her work with the DuPage Children’s Museum and Feed My Starving Children.

Randell said she produced and edited the video herself. Blair said many students who call the organization ask how they can help work with hungry or homeless people.

“They understand how every person can contribute to make a difference,” she said.

Giving DuPage also will be giving $60,000 to three undetermined charity organizations in the county during the celebration.

With technology so prevalent, Blair said it was only natural to create this contest and let teens showcase their creative side while helping others.

“This is our future,” she said. “The very cool thing about this generation is that they totally get it. They feel that, in order to be a vital member of a community, they have to give back.”

What: Viral volunteerism video competition

Who: DuPage County high school students

When: Deadline for entries is April 8

How: Go to dupageco.org/givingdupage or www.schooltube.com for more information and to submit a video about volunteering