eastside preparatory students turn volunteer day into a lesson in community care

More than 20 students from Eastside Preparatory School recently spent a volunteer day at Friends of Youth, organizing storage areas that help provide essential items for youth, young adults, and families. What began as a hands-on service project quickly became a deeper lesson in how community support is received, sorted, organized, and transformed into practical care for people navigating challenging circumstances.

Students worked together to sort donations, organize supplies, and make storage spaces easier for staff to use across programs serving young people and families. Along the way, they learned more about what Friends of Youth does and how the agency partners with youth and families through relationships, resources, and skills that support personal growth and success.

One of the most meaningful takeaways for students was seeing what happens after an item is donated. Several shared that they often donate clothing, household goods, or other items without knowing the process that follows. At Friends of Youth, they saw how every contribution must be reviewed, sorted, stored, and matched with actual needs so that donations can be used thoughtfully and efficiently. 

The experience also prompted students to think more carefully about who they are supporting. They reflected on how donors sometimes assume an agency needs every item offered, or that anything in a donation pile can easily be repurposed. By helping organize the storage areas themselves, students gained a clearer understanding of why intentional giving matters—and how well-managed donations can better serve youth, young adults, and

by the end of the day, the students had done more than organize shelves. They helped strengthen the behind-the-scenes systems that connect community generosity with real needs, while gaining a new appreciation for the people and purpose behind Friends of Youth’s work. Their service offered a powerful reminder that volunteering is not only about giving time—it is also about learning, listening, and understanding how each act of care can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with Friends of Youth, please reach out to our Volunteer and In-Kind Coordinator, Meggan, at meggan.h@friendsofyouth.org.