Thank you for your interest in helping build stronger futures with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity! This Youth Volunteering Toolkit is designed for families with younger children—especially those under the age of 14—who are too young to volunteer at our construction sites or ReStore, but still want to make a big difference in their community.
At SGV Habitat, we believe everyone has something valuable to contribute—no matter their age. Since 1990, our mission has been to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. We work alongside local families and volunteers to create affordable housing solutions throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
This guide includes creative and meaningful ways your child—and your entire family—can support this mission from home, school, or your neighborhood.
When Can My Child Volunteer On-Site?
Great question! This program is designed for younger participants, but on-site volunteering starts at:
- Age 14: Pasadena ReStore
- Age 16: Construction sites
Family friendly ways to volunteer
Below are fun, impactful activities designed with youth in mind. All projects can be completed with adult supervision and help teach kids the values of service, kindness, and community.
How to Get Started — Ready to Make an Impact?
Step 1 — Download the Volunteer Hour Tracker
Download the tracker and enter the child’s first and last name plus an email address (yours or a legal parent/guardian). This helps track volunteer hours and milestones.
Step 2 — Pick a Project
Decide what to work on from the list of activities below. You can get started right at home, or team up with classmates, friends, or family!
Step 3 — Log Your Hours
Be sure to record the time spent on your project. For example, if making bracelets took one hour, write “1 hour — bracelet making.” Tracking your hours helps you earn milestone buttons!
Step 4 — Turn In Completed Items
When ready to drop off crafts, kits, fundraiser checks, or other items, email volunteer@sgvhabitat.org to schedule a drop-off and have your volunteer hours signed off.
Step 5 — Need Help or Ideas?
Not sure where to start? Browse the project ideas below for inspiration or reach out to volunteer@sgvhabitat.org with any questions.
Volunteer ideas for every age & skill level
Creative care projects
Show volunteers and Habitat families that they’re appreciated!
Snack bags for volunteers
Assemble decorated snack bags with healthy treats, water bottles, and an encouraging message. Example: “Thank you for building hope!”
Thank you cards
Use markers, stickers, and imagination to create heartfelt cards for construction crews, donors, and Habitat families.
Support bracelets & crafts
Make friendship bracelets, bookmarks, or origami with encouraging tags. These small gifts go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
Special Notes
As simple as encouraging words for volunteers or homeowners!
Fundraising from home
You’re never too young to make a difference!
Lemonade stand
Set up a classic lemonade stand and let your neighbors know proceeds will support local affordable housing.
Bake sale
Sell cookies, cupcakes, or other sweet treats to fundraise for SGV Habitat’s mission.
Rake-a-thon / yard help
Offer to rake leaves or help tidy yards in exchange for donations that support housing for families in need.
Looking for more ideas?
Don’t Forget to Take Photos!
We’d love to see your hard work! Take photos of yourself working on your project and of your finished items.
With permission, photos may be featured on @sgvhabitat social media pages to inspire other families to join the fun!
Button Milestones
Earn buttons as you grow your Habitat journey! Each milestone celebrates your creativity, kindness, and commitment—from your very first project to becoming a true Habitat Superstar.
Why is tracking your hours so important? The more hours you earn, the closer you get to becoming a Habitat Superstar! Each milestone brings you a fun, collectible button to celebrate your progress.
Download the image below to see all the designs you can start earning!
Ready to start volunteering?
How Can I Know How Many Hours I’ve Earned?
When your child is ready to turn in their Volunteer Log or drop off their completed kits at the Monrovia Office, our Volunteer Team will review everything and record their hours.
After we’ve logged the hours, we’ll let you and your child know how many they’ve earned so far — and celebrate when they reach a Youth Volunteer Button Milestone!
It’s a fun way for young volunteers to see their impact grow and feel proud of the difference they’re making in their community.
Questions? Contact: volunteer@sgvhabitat.org
Download your hour tracker here!
