Student shows that some youth do care
Website helps teens find places to volunteer
By Victoria Sayeg Special to the Acorn

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers GET ACTIVE- Using her own experiences, Simi Valley High School senior Meghan Allen, 18, spent one month creating a website to help connect students with volunteer opportunities.

Simi Valley High School senior Meghan Allen is no stranger to volunteer work.

In addition to being a member of the Youth Employment and Services advisory board, Allen has donated hours of her free time to different organizations and agencies throughout the valley.

Through her experiences with volunteerism Allen, 18, was inspired to create a website dedicated to connecting young members of the community with volunteer opportunities.

Called UthCare.org, the website informs teenagers about local service organizations in need of helping hands.

"Currently, many teens are looking for volunteer work for resumé status on college applications. Many schools are now pushing community service, and my website can help people find a topic they're interested in," Allen said.

The website is special, she added, because it can tailor the choice of organizations to a teen's specific interests. For example, clicking the "animals" option will provide a list of pet adoption centers and other rescue agencies in the area.

Along with the names of these groups, Allen has organized their contact information, hours of operation and job duties.

"I did all the legwork for the website myself," she said. "I started with the places I volunteer at and went from there."

Allen is known among her friends and peers for her tireless volunteer work. Many had approached her with questions about where they could volunteer, and she was always quick to help.

With so much interest and so little time, the volunteer queen had an idea.

"I figured if I make a website, I can answer all of their questions at once," she said.

Samantha Argabrite, who coordinates the Youth Employment and Services advisory board, said she's very impressed with Allen's passion and knows firsthand that her selfless and caring manner is contagious.

"The website became a priority in her world. When something is a priority in her world, she does go after it wholeheartedly," Argabrite said.

Allen plans to attend California Lutheran University next year to study biochemistry and molecular biology.

She said she's grateful to have the love and support of her family.

"My dad has been investing in me and helping financially, and my mom has been here helping and supporting me while I've been up working till 2 in the morning."

With dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, it's evident Allen has a good head on her shoulders. "It's important to put yourself out there and expect nothing in return," she said. "It will build your character, and you will be helping people along the way."

For more information, please visit www.UthCare.org or call Allen at (805) 896-9886.

She welcomes suggestions and additional volunteer groups to include on the website.