Spectrum teen volunteers work in community

This past fall several teens from Spectrum Teen Center came together with Spectrum counselors to start the Spectrum Volunteer Group. This group was inspired by teens interested in giving back and serving in their local communities.

So far the group has participated in two events. In November, the group helped out with the Hoffman Estates Jaycees Pizza Contest Fundraiser. They manned the pizza stations and served the participants. The silent auction at this event was donated to Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

In December, the Spectrum Volunteer Group served at the Catholic Charities Soup Kitchen in Des Plaines. Teens helped greet guests and serve dinners to more than 80 homeless and/or low-income individuals.

The next trip is planned for the Animal House Shelter in Huntley. Teens will be socializing cats and dogs, with opportunities to groom and feed the animals.

Volunteering in the community is a great way for teenagers to become aware of needs outside of themselves. Teens by nature are often self-focused and need to be offered opportunities to reach outside of themselves and help others. It builds character and promotes social-emotional development.

The group hopes to expand and will continue to schedule one volunteer event every month. For more information, contact Mae A. Ypil at Spectrum Youth & Family Services, (847) 884-6212.