VolunTOTS Brings Children to Nonprofits

Thousands of individuals volunteer in Pittsburgh each year. Volunteering strengthens communities by addressing the needs of both individuals and local nonprofit organizations. Volunteering helps develop interpersonal skills and self-esteem, as well as giving one a sense of purpose. Cami Teacoach wanted to share all the benefits of volunteering at the local level with children, and so she created VolunTOTS. In this month’s Perspective, we learn more about this beneficial organization and the work they do in Pittsburgh.

North Hills Monthly (NHM): What inspired your founder to start VolunTOTS?

Cami Teacoach (Teacoach): I started volunteering with my mom at an early age, and it was a huge influence in my life and my career path. It’s part of what inspired me to pursue a master’s degrees in social work and public health and spend several years working in a therapeutic preschool. I wanted to share the rewards of volunteering with my own children, but I struggled to find opportunities that would accept help from both me and my (then) three-year-old son. I’m a big believer that children are natural helpers and — when given the chance — are more than capable of contributing. So in February 2021, I decided to launch the VolunTOTS Facebook group. Originally, I envisioned it as an informal outlet for parents and caregivers to swap ideas for engaging young children in community service. Just three days after launching the Facebook group, we had more than 500 members. Today, we have more than 3,000. I didn’t set out to found a nonprofit, but when I saw how this concept resonated with other parents, I knew we could really make a difference by creating our own opportunities for young children and families to give back.

NHM: What is the core mission of VolunTOTS?

Teacoach: VolunTOTS creates volunteer opportunities that empower young children to give back to their community and learn the importance of helping those in need. Through hands-on community service projects, children learn that they’re never too young to make a difference. Our motto is “Everyone can be a helper.”

NHM: What age are your volunteers?

Teacoach: We say that we welcome tots, teens and everybody in between!

NHM: Do the child volunteers always need a parent or chaperone to volunteer?

Teacoach: Yes, parents and caregivers play a supportive role in the volunteer experience, supervising and assisting children as needed. Many families tell us how fulfilling it is to experience the rewards of community service as a family. It’s a hands-on opportunity for children to learn the value of kindness and community engagement. And it’s a chance for us, as parents, to model those values.

NHM: How do parents learn about your organization?

Teacoach: VolunTOTS started as a Facebook group, and that remains our main outlet for connecting with volunteers. We also work to have a presence in the community by attending community events, partnering with other nonprofits and encouraging volunteers to spread the word to their friends and neighbors.

NHM: How can parents sign their children up for sponsored events? Is there a monetary cost to volunteering?

Teacoach: The easiest way to get involved is to join our Facebook group, where we post volunteer opportunities and sign-up forms. There is no cost to volunteering, though we do encourage families to bring donated items for some events, including our Thanksgiving food drives.

NHM: What types of events has your organization hosted, and what are some upcoming events?

Teacoach: Our projects range from visiting senior communities to tending community gardens. One of VolunTOTS’ first major projects is one of my favorites. In March 2021, a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, VolunTOTS members created more than 3,000 treat bags to thank local “health care heroes.” Volunteers delivered the bags, including snacks and handmade cards, to health care professionals at 27 facilities. Since then, we have partnered with organizations, including Hello Neighbor, Jeremiah's Place, the Gardens of Millvale, and senior living communities throughout the Pittsburgh region. Around Halloween, we organize groups of children to trick-or-treat at senior living communities, which brings so much joy to the residents. Our largest events of the year are Thanksgiving food drives held at Temple Emanuel in the South Hills and Discovery Christian Church in Mars. Between both locations, families collected and packed more than 350 Thanksgiving food boxes this past November for local families experiencing food insecurity. This spring, we are planning a few trail cleanups and gardening projects around Earth Day. We also have a pajama drive in the works to benefit Jeremiah’s Place, which provides emergency child care and other resources to families in need.

NHM: How does VolunTOTS raise funds?

Teacoach: VolunTOTS accepts donations online at voluntots.org to help cover the cost of supplies for volunteer events. All donations go directly to programs, as we are a completely volunteer-driven organization.

NHM: What is the Bridge to Home Project?

Teacoach: VolunTOTS launched the Bridge to Home initiative to bring resources and attention to agencies that support families throughout the foster care process. The primary goal is to renovate the visitation rooms where children in foster care can spend time with their biological parents. With support from Happy Lark Home Organizing and Realtor Melanie Marsh, VolunTOTS partnered with Pressley Ridge Allegheny County Treatment Foster Care to renovate the foster care visitation center on Pittsburgh’s North Side in 2023. After months of planning and fundraising, dozens of volunteers worked together to renovate five visitation rooms with fresh paint and new furniture and decor. Featuring age-appropriate toys, activities and trauma-sensitive books, the rooms provide families with a nurturing environment to connect and bond.

NHM: How many employees are on your staff?

Teacoach: VolunTOTS is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Currently, we have nine steering committee members who volunteer their time to coordinate community service events, but we’re looking for more!

NHM: How does your steering committee operate?

Teacoach: As we know, Pittsburghers don’t like to cross a bridge. The steering committee is split up into regions: north, south, east, west and city. We meet monthly to plan kid-driven events and community service projects. We partner with local nonprofits and senior communities to meet needs in the community and create both fun and fulfilling opportunities for children and families.

NHM: How can NHM readers keep in touch with VolunTOTS? Do you have Facebook and Instagram accounts they can follow?

Teacoach: Readers can learn more about VolunTOTS at www.voluntots.org or by connecting with us on Facebook or Instagram.