Teen Volunteering: The Lasting Gift of Giving Back
As my son wraps up six years of community service with Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA), I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the journey we’ve shared. Years earlier, I experienced something just as meaningful alongside my daughter during her six-year commitment to the National Charity League (NCL). These moments—giving back, learning empathy, and growing together—are memories I will always treasure. It is my hope that both of my children carry these experiences with them, and remember the power of service to uplift lives and strengthen communities.
Today’s teens are constantly juggling extracurriculars, sports, academics, and social lives. It’s easy for meaningful activities to feel like just another item to check off a college resume. As parents, we become executive assistants—chauffeuring, reminding, managing. But that all changes the moment we show up to help in the community. When we are able to step outside of our bubble, and witness the deep struggles that people experience to meet even their most basic needs, we quickly see what matters most in life.
Whether it’s playing with children to help families in transition at Bridge of Hope San Diego or Solutions for Change; sorting food for Feeding San Diego; joining beach cleanups with Surfrider or I Love A Clean San Diego; assisting at sports events for children with special needs; or serving meals to people in need through Burrito Boyz, the Rescue Mission, Interfaith Community Services, Meals on Wheels, or St. Vincent de Paul—each act of service offers a window into lives and struggles that too often go unseen.
One memory I have with my daughter Quinn was when COVID hit and we helped a school garden harvest foods to be donated to low-income families. She loved the community gardening so much that she started her own club, BEE GREEN, and encouraged high school students to continue supporting the school garden program over the following two years. She also stepped in as a volunteer online Spanish tutor for kids that needed practice during COVID.
An early memory I have volunteering with my son Carson was at Serving Seniors when he first witnessed homeless seniors waiting to enter for the annual Holiday party. The party included a raffle of necessities and Carson noticed a homeless man looking hopefully between a soft blanket and his raffle ticket, so he asked if we could set one aside for him in case he didn’t win. Surely enough, Carson saw the deep disappointment in the man’s face when his number was never called and was so happy to then bring him a blanket, which brought tears to the man’s eyes. It was a moment that reminded us both how small gestures of kindness and generosity can make a big impact.
As a parent, I cherish the meaningful volunteer experiences I shared with my kids. It also helped me let go of concerns that were small when compared to what others go through. I’ve seen my children grow into compassionate young adults who understand the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones to help others. My hope is that these early acts of service stay with them—not just as memories, but as guiding values they carry into adulthood. Because when we give our time, our energy, and our hearts to others, we receive something far greater in return: perspective, purpose, and a deeper connection to the world around us.
About the Author: Norma Flood, Integrative & Functional Nutritionist
Norma Flood is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist guiding adults and teens to better brain balance and gut health. Holding a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, she is recognized as one of San Diego’s top Integrative and Functional Nutritionists. With a deep commitment to holistic well-being, Norma provides personalized health counseling and applies functional nutrition therapy to effectively support digestive health, mental health, and eating disorder recovery. She offers both in-person and group counseling as well as online education. Follow Norma Flood on YouTube as she shares small, easy steps that you can take each day to support better gut health and mental health using an integrative and functional approach.