Planting flowers at Central Park each May has blossomed into a spring tradition for twins Sophie and Olivia Martin.
The pair, who graduated from Roseville Area High School this year, started volunteering for the annual Blooming Boulevard planting event at Central Park in eighth grade. They enjoyed it so much they recruited their Lacrosse teammates to help in recent years.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community. We did it with our lacrosse team and, it’s really fun team bonding,” said Olivia, noting it was also some of her teammates’ first experience with gard
ening.
“I find joy in giving b
ack. It makes me really happy,” Sophie said.
Sophie and Olivia are two of hundreds of teens who donate their time and talent as City of Roseville volunteers each year.
“We have many fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities for folks of all ages and abilities. Sophie and Olivia are two of our standout teen volunteers who come to events with a strong work ethic and a great attitude," said Roseville Volunteer Manager Rachel Boggs. “Our teen volunteers are an important part of our volunteer culture at Roseville. Scouts, National Honor Society students, and Key Club members are just a few of the groups that give back to the city. It is a great way to engage the next generation of Roseville stakeholders,” Boggs said.
One of the secrets to attracting youth volunteers is to offer one-time activities that can be done with friends, Boggs explained. “Short-term volunteering is still trending and allows flexibility for busy teen schedules,” Boggs said.
Roseville Area High School Junior Murphy Bloor uses zany costumes, creative crafts, and her warm smile to make Roseville’s celebrations a little more magical for the children who attend them. Murphy regularly volunteers at Harriet Alexander Nature Center events. 
She helped children make leaf-print journals at the Earth Day Celebration. She greeted and directed visitors at Tapping Time, the annual maple syrup event in March. She dressed up as Waldo from Where’s Waldo and helped manage the bounce house at the Halloween Spooktacular. She and friend Maya donned M&M costumes another year and helped run Halloween carnival games.
“I really enjoy helping. The City of Roseville is one of my favorite places to volunteer,” she said.
Murphy found out about all of the great City of Roseville volunteer opportunities through her school’s Key Club, the student-led service organization that aims to develop leadership and build character.
“Murphy is an amazing volunteer, who makes children and families feel special at these community events,” said Volunteer Manager Rachel Boggs. “She’s also a wonderful role model for kids and teens who interact with her.” Learn more about volunteering at CityofRoseville.com/Volunteer