Children and teens can learn about philanthropy, volunteering and giving back to the community when they participate in charitable activities through NAM.

NAM has volunteer opportunities at NAM's main building and resale shops for unaccompanied youngsters age 16 years and older. Children ages 12 and 15 may also volunteer (limited on-site opportunities) if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.  Please contact NAM's Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Fullerton, at 281-885-4609 or lfullerton@namonline.org for any inquiries or questions.

Children of any age can participate at home supervised by an interested parent, through a scout or church youth group or through other service organizations. A list of possible projects follows. New possibilities are added periodically so if you create a successful project, please share that information with us and we will share it with others. You'll see a range of activities designed to include something for children of different age levels.
 
Food Drives
- Food drives are important throughout the year.  The Food Pantry and Holiday Project need a variety of items.  Lists are posted on our Assistance Program and Food Pantry web pages.  Please visit www.namonline.org for our current needs. 
You can also contact Kerima Pizarro, Food Pantry Manager, at 281-885-4589 for more information.

Book Drives
- NAM is committed to literacy and encouraging youngsters to read.  Gently used children's books are provided to young patients in our Children's Clinic.

Clothing Drives
- Children can shop for a child that wears the same size they do.  They can even purchase clothes from NAM's resale shops!
- Children can have a birthday party, asking guests to bring a new clothing item or pair of shoes, instead of a gift for the birthday boy or girl.
- Try a themed clothing drive, such as "Winter Weather."  Items can include coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, hats, socks and boots.

Baby Item drives
- Baby food, infants and children's clothing, diapers and new toys are always appreciated.  Contact Deborah Modesette, Director of the Children's Clinic, at 281-885-4633 to see what types of health-related items might be needed in the clinic, such as over-the-counter medicines, digital thermometers, etc.

Holiday gifts and Gift Cards
During the holidays, NAM's Assistance Department provides families in need with enough food to last three to five days and age appropriate gifts for the children.
- Staff and volunteers distribute empty toy bags to congregations, organizations and individuals. These groups and individuals fill the bags with new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages infant to 18. The bags of toys are then distributed during our Holiday Toy Distribution in December. For more information on toy bags, please contact Assistance Director Lynn          Mikhail at 281-885-4587.  Note:  If you are interested in an "Angel Tree" project or assisting a particular family, please contact a local congregation or school.
- During NAM's Thanksgiving and December holiday food distributions, children age 12 - 15 may volunteer in food carryout positions (only) in the NAM Food Pantry without an adult in attendance. In order to sign up for a food carryout position, potential volunteers must first contact the NAM Holiday Coordinator AFTER Nov. 1, 2008, at 281-885-4555, ext. 3914.
- Only children 16 or older may volunteer in the Toy room. In order to sign up to work in the Toy Room, they must first contact the NAM Holiday Coordinator AFTER Nov. 1, 2008, at 281-885-4555, ext. 3914.
-  NAM sells special Gift Cards* year round to Macy's (a $25 card), Luby's (a $25 card), Randall's (a $50 card) and Kroger (a reloadable card).  NAM benefits from the sale of each card that is *purchased from the NAM Corner Resale Shop at 15555 Kuykendahl, or through the NAM Development Department at 281-885-4582.  If an organization is interested in selling any or all of these Gift Cards as a NAM fundraiser, please contact the Development Department.

Ready Wrapped Boxes and Gift Sacks
- Pre-wrap boxes of all sizes to be given out during our December Holiday Toy Distribution.  Wrap the box lid separately from the box itself.  Include ribbon, tissue, a bow and a gift tag inside the box.
-  Decorate plain sacks with holiday stickers, ink stamps, etc.  Complete with tissue, a gift tag and flat ribbon
 
Meals on Wheels
- Make "tray treats" that are delivered along with meals or groceries for seniors and disabled clients   Items can include bags of candy, homemade crafts such as refrigerator magnets,  holiday ornaments, placemats, etc. 
- Many MOW clients have pets.  Make up bags of dry dog and cat food.  Decorate with stickers, a cat paw or a dog bone label and a ribbon/bow.  Contact Cheryl Green, Director of Meals on Wheels for more information at 281-885-4622.

Birthdays in a Box
- "BIAB" are given to kids in the Children's Clinic and other areas where a child is having a birthday.  BIAB consist of a decorative sack or box filled with a cake mix and frosting, candles, birthday hats, noisemakers, etc.

If you have ideas for other projects for children or teens, please let us know so we can add it to our list! 
Contact Linda Fullerton, NAM Volunteer Coordinator, at 281-885-4609 or lfullerton@namonline.org.