Topic: Volunteering

15+ Ways to Help Others this Thanksgiving
Before and after you hunker down for the big meal, take time to make the holiday more special for your fellow Philadelphians.
By Ethan Young
Young People Doing Amazing Things
Over 1,000 high schoolers participated in the first Philly Service Award program last year, showcasing the impact teenagers can have on their communities. Another cohort will kick off this fall
By Delaney Parks
Let’s Save Democracy … Again!
The Citizen teamed up with Changing the Conversation to train volunteers on the power of deep canvassing — to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2024 presidential election
By Malcolm Burnley, Sarah Gross and Alexandra Katzen
Making their Last Days their Best Days
For more than a decade, City of Elderly Love has given Philadelphia’s oldest and therefore least adoptable dogs and cats the life-changing possibility of living out their golden years in comfort
By Lauren McCutcheon
Nadia Bosket
The founder of Hoop Dreams, Inc. has figured out how to help Philly kids make friends, be confident and focus on opportunities, using basketball as bait
By Lauren McCutcheon
Let’s Save Democracy … Again!
It’s not enough to just cast your own ballot in 2024. We must also work to get all eligible Philadelphians to vote — or risk losing our democracy as we know it. Here’s how you can join The Citizen in that effort
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Michelle Belser
The Citizen’s 2023 Block Captain of the Year gets her neighbors to vote in record numbers, and makes sure the block isn’t just clean — it’s beautiful.
By Natalie Pompilio
Sarahi Franco-Morales
The South Philly native has helped feed hundreds of families, translated at City Council meetings, advocated for fair housing and employment, and tutored kids to read. And she’s only 18
By Jessica Blatt Press
A Criminal Justice Success Story? Right here in Philly?
Since 2016, Philadelphia’s volunteer-based Safety and Justice Challenge Community Advisory Council has helped the City reduce its jail population and recidivism rates — while increasing equity. Here’s how they’ve done it
By Courtney DuChene
Nicole Bixler of Operation In My Backyard
The Port Richmond social worker offers sustenance, support and care to those struggling with addiction
By Rachel Wisniewski