Sara: Ms. Castillo, I want to do my service hours at the animal shelter, but their website says volunteers have to be sixteen. I'm only fourteen.

Ms. Castillo: That's true for most of their jobs, like walking the dogs. But they also have a program for younger teens on Saturday mornings. You'd be cleaning kennels, folding towels and reading out loud to the cats.

Sara: Reading to cats? Why?

Ms. Castillo: Shy cats get used to people's voices that way, so they're calmer when families come to meet them. The only catch is that a parent or guardian has to sign up with you and stay the whole time.

Sara: My dad works on Saturdays. But my sister is nineteen. Does she count?

Ms. Castillo: Only a parent or guardian counts. Talk to your family tonight. If your mom can come with you, I'll sign your service form as soon as you finish your hours.