“Our clients are happy to have students helping them because the students are very knowledgeable about where (clients) can get help,” said Gail Nyberg, executive director of the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Founded in 1983 by Sr. Marie Tremblay, the Daily Bread’s goal is simple: “To provide food and resources to hungry people... and reduce poverty through research, education and advocacy,” said Nyberg.

Youth volunteers have two roles in the organization: food sorting and advocacy.

“Youth are invited to come into the food bank and sort food as a group or as individuals,” Nyberg said.

Meanwhile, advocates are in charge of discovering each client’s  requirements and making sure clients get the social services they need.

“When a client comes to the food bank, they often don’t just need food,” Nyberg said. “The advocate will talk to the clients about what their needs are and refer them to the social services they are eligible for.”

Windfall Basics is another organization where youth can volunteer. It’s a charity that provides high quality clothing to those in need.

“Last year, Windfall Basics distributed $28 million worth of clothing and other items to 64,000 people in need throughout the GTA,” said Alessia Pugliese, communications and events manager.

Youth at Windfall Basics are given the task of sorting donated clothing.

Executive director Helen Marakas said that youth benefit greatly from volunteering at Windfall Basics.

“Volunteering with Windfall

Basics gives youth a sense of purpose,” she said. “They are happy to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

But Pugliese said that Windfall Basics does more than just provide clothing; it also gives assistance to those seeking employment by providing them with the right attire for job interviews.

Another option is volunteering at the YMCA, which has made recruiting youth volunteers an aim of its organization.

“The YMCA of Greater Toronto is launching a new strategic plan to make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens and young adults,” said Wendy Stratton, manager for volunteer development.

Stratton said the YMCA is a great place for youth to volunteer

because many of the programs are directed by youth themselves.

One such program is the Youth Leader Corps (YLC), where youth come together to perform community service.

“The group talks with others about it and decides what community project they want to do and see to fruition.”

She said the young people get satisfaction from what they accomplish — whether it’s going to a food bank, senior’s home or car wash.

But regardless of what organization youth choose to volunteer at, Nyberg said it’s important that youth volunteer.

“Volunteering will help youth understand the diversity of our city and make a difference in the community. And we need their help.”

(Mair, 19, is a second-year communications student at Carleton University.)