New York - November 19, 2001

Kidding Around

Volunteer at KidCoach

Nothing is as fun as hanging with kids. (They love candy almost as much as we do.) But your friends might be getting sick of your borrowing their kids for the afternoon. A better alternative? KidCoach, a particularly rocking volunteer opportunity.

Coaches are paired with students between the ages of 7 and 12 for the school year. Kids come up with a personal goal; coaches help them meet it through weekly calls, e-mails, and workshops. Forget what it was like to be in middle school? Don’t worry, you’ll be provided with a program to follow with your kid.

But hop to it: The last training sessions for the year are on November 26 and 28. The $50 tax-deductible application fee covers your background check. (Come on: that’s one dinner at TanDa.) And no, you’re not too busy. The minimum commitment is 5 to 8 hours monthly, usually over the phone. (See — it’s the perfect outlet for your overdeveloped gift of gab.)

But remember, you’re supposed to be the grown-up. So easy on the Gummi Bears.

  Do-Gooder