The holiday season is here, and for many people, this means service projects. A big part of the holidays is helping out other people in any way possible. It is easy for adults to find ways to help, but sometimes, it is more difficult for teenagers. There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to help -- many of them simply do not know where to look.

Some established organizations, like the American Red Cross, accept teenage volunteers. Others require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age or have an adult with them. It may depend on what you are volunteering for. Even if you cannot find an organization to volunteer with, there are still plenty of ways to help.

Christmas and Thanksgiving are usually days spent with family, friends and good food. However, some families do not have that opportunity. Perhaps one person or a group of young people could buy a meal for a needy family. Or you could buy Christmas gifts for children in a family who cannot afford to buy much. Local service organizations such as the Department of Social Services and the Samaritan House can be good resources to find people in need. An angel tree also shows up at the mall every year around Christmas. You pick a name off the tree and buy a few gifts for the child. Several local churches also have soup kitchens that welcome volunteers of any age.

Helping others can be a lot less complicated than you may think. Little things, like helping elderly people with their yard work or watching a neighbor's children for an afternoon, can be fun as well as rewarding. Even something as simple as taking cookies to a nursing home or visiting people in the hospital can make the holidays even better for someone.

There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to volunteer. Many people who take the time to care for others find that they end up getting just as much in return. Helping out someone who is less fortunate -- or even helping neighbors and friends -- can make you thankful for what you have. Helping others is a great way to discover the true spirit of the holidays.

Vicki Oberholtzer is a student at Orangeburg Preparatory Schools in Orangeburg. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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