My family and I started volunteering a few years ago, when I thought it would benefit them and their self esteem to help others. We have worked at a church feeding the homeless, and people from shelters. That was very rewarding, and we enjoyed the people we met. We have put together baskets full of food and delivered them to families in need for Thanksgiving. We have adopted families for Christmas, and delivered gifts to them as well. We cleaned up a Salvation Army that was located in the inner city, and landscaped it. These were all activities that it wasn't necessary for the volunteers didn't have to be 18 to do. I've also worked concessions at a concert venue to raise money for a womens shelter.
The feelings of being able to give of yourself to others that need it, and are truly grateful, are priceless.