At Sturgill Orthodontics giving back to the community is so important to us. Dr. Sturgill feels privileged to be a Johnson City, TN orthodontist. Sponsoring community and school programs and events, as well as donating orthodontic care through Smiles Change Lives are small ways he and the team can show their gratitude. We’re not the only ones who embrace the spirit of giving back either. A lot of our awesome patients are dedicated to making a difference too. We absolutely love that because volunteering is an excellent way to teach kids and teens the importance of helping those in need. Now that the holiday season is underway and many of us are reflecting on all of the things we’re thankful for, it’s the perfect time to start or continue those volunteer efforts. To help, we’re sharing some youth volunteer opportunities in Johnson City, TN and the surrounding area.
1. Become a Johnson City Medical Center Volunteer
400 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN
- High school students between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply to be a Johnson City Medical Center volunteer through its junior volunteer program. Volunteers are needed in a variety of departments and for a number of different tasks. Teens can fill out an application here to find out about the current openings.
2. Volunteer at Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center
1026 Rock Springs Drive, Kingsport, TN
- Small Miracles has family and youth volunteer opportunities in Kingsport, TN. The Christian-based, nonprofit organization that offers therapeutic equine-assisted activities. If you love animals and helping others, this will be right up your alley. Small Miracles seeks volunteers to help with lessons, office work, facility maintenance, horse care, fundraising and special events. You can commit as much or as little time as you’d like and no prior experience is necessary. For details or to sign up for a volunteer training session, call (423) 349-1111 or email [email protected].
3. Get Involved at the Johnson City Public Library
100 W. Millard Street, Johnson City, TN
- The Public Library has lots of fun and fulfilling youth volunteer opportunities. VolunTeens is open to teens in 7th through 12th grade. You’ll learn and lead at the library while also giving back to the community. VolunTeens work in different library departments and take part in the Teen Advisory Board, which helps run the Teen Services department. You can find a volunteer application on the library’s website or you can call (423) 434-4362 for more details. The library has also implemented the unique Stories to Service program for teens ages 12 to 18. Participants gather as a group and decide on a book to read, read the book and then discuss it before completing a related service project. The initiative combines a book club with community service.
4. Give Back With Good Samaritan Ministries
100 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN
- Good Samaritan Industries is a nonprofit ministry that helps meet the emergency needs of low income individuals, the homeless, at-risk people and families, children in need, veterans and the elderly through education, social services and mentoring. The ministry has a multitude of family and youth volunteer opportunities in Johnson City, TN. They often need help with sorting and shelving donations in the food pantry and thrift store. Get together with friends and organize a food drive or collect Christmas gifts for other teenagers or the elderly. You could also collect gently used items and clothing to donate to Heaven Sent, the Good Samaritan Ministries thrift store. Fill out a volunteer interest form and a volunteer coordinator will contact you with more information or reach out at (423) 833-2557 or [email protected].
5. Lend a Hand at the Johnson City Community Theatre
600 E. Maple Street, Johnson City, TN
- Tap into your creative side while giving back to the community. If you’re an actor, artist, musician, builder, designer, costume maker, crafter, stagehand, techie, creative type, marketer, organizer or anything in between, the Johnson City Community Theatre could use your skills. It is the longest running community theatre in Tennessee and volunteers help it continue to bring artistry and education to the Tri-Cities. Complete the volunteer form to get started.
6. Help Feed the Hungry at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee
1020 Jericho Drive, Kingsport, TN
- Second Harvest Food Bank has Kingsport, TN volunteer opportunities for people ages 10 and up. Kids and teens can help sort, label and pack food that is then distributed to eight local counties. The nonprofit’s mission is to help provide food for the food insecure throughout the Northeast Tennessee region. You can sign up here.
7. Volunteer at One Acre Café
603 W. Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN
- One Acre Café is a community restaurant in downtown Johnson City that was started to address hunger and food insecurity in the community. Anyone can come in and enjoy a warm meal and good company. Those who can pay, can give a suggested donation or pay it forward. Those who cannot afford a meal can volunteer in exchange for one. They accept youth volunteers, though anyone under 16 will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers help with serving food, washing and drying dishes, bussing and cleaning tables, picking up trash, cleaning the restaurant, wrapping silverware, food prep and more. Sign-up and schedule your volunteer time slot online.