Boise teens get 'hooked' on volunteering

5 boys find they can make a real difference in just 5 hours a month

BY CHEREEN LANGRILL - cdlangrill@idahostatesman.com

Edition Date: 12/23/08

http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/612578.html

What could you do with five hours a month?

You might be surprised.

For a start, you could build a compost area at a garden for refugees, collect blankets and towels for animals at the Idaho Humane Society, and pick up trash at a park after an all-women run and walk event.

A group of Boise teens learned this year that they could do all these and more - in just a few hours each month.

The five boys set out to perform 50 hours of volunteer service in 12 months, enough to earn the bronze-level President's Volunteer Service Award. They reached their goal this month, but it isn't the end of their commitment. Now they're talking about what they can do next - and that was exactly what parent Kay Brassey had hoped would happen.

"For me, the most rewarding part has been seeing their interest and their excitement," Brassey said. "I think they're hooked."

The journey began in the fall of 2007. Brassey and some friends were talking about how they could get their sons interested in volunteering. Brassey talked about how she admired her sister, who lived in California and had a son who volunteered with a group of friends.

After meeting with their mothers, the guys came up with a name: "Teens Caring for the Community." They talked about things that mattered to each of them, like animals and the environment, and they set out to see what they could do.

"I said, 'As long as you boys are willing to take a risk, you can open your heart to something,' " Brassey said.

The guys learned helping others doesn't have to be complicated. They scheduled their projects around sports, school work and church. And they learned that everyone has something to give, no matter what.

"I knew I could help people and animals, even as a teenager," 14-year-old Grant Saetrum said.

Mark Brassey, 13, surprised himself when he discovered what he was capable of doing.

"I learned a lot about myself and what I can give," Mark said.

The boys took on projects they found interesting, and found they could be challenging, too. In early December, they completed their final volunteer project: visiting the Idaho Veterans Home, where they delivered Christmas cookies, decorated doors for the holidays and visited with the veterans. At first they weren't sure what to say to the veterans. But it turns out a plate of cookies can be a great conversation starter.

Looking at the world with a different perspective had a lasting impact on everyone in the group. The boys were surprised to see female veterans during their visit to the Veterans Home. When they worked on a community garden for refugees, they learned how families struggle to adjust to a new culture and country. Working with the Humane Society was eye-opening because the boys didn't realize how many animals were neglected, abused or homeless.

"I had no idea what other people and animals have to go through daily," 14-year-old Cody Price said.

The boys also learned that they could often get what they needed simply by asking. They made posters and distributed them throughout Boise neighborhoods requesting towels and blankets for animals at the Idaho Humane Society. They weren't sure what to expect on the day they collected the items. It rained hard on pickup day, and they wondered if people would remember to leave the items out on their doorsteps. But they collected nearly 50 bags filled with blankets and other items.

In addition to the volunteer hours the boys invested to earn the award, they have also started reaching out to help others on their own. One boy offered to baby-sit for free. Another helped a grandparent move. While achieving their ultimate goal, the boys were quietly learning a lesson they can continue for a lifetime.

"Volunteering with your kids is one of the greatest things you can teach them," said Neva Geisler, director of volunteer engagement at the United Way of Treasure Valley.

Chereen Langrill: 672-6733