Youthful volunteers are setting a good example for local residents of all ages.

This is a time Lawrence adults could take a lesson from local young people.

A story in Tuesday’s Journal-World focused on various volunteer jobs taken on by Lawrence youths in their teens or even younger. They volunteered at the Lawrence Humane Society, the Audio-Reader Network, at the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen and other worthy agencies. One 16-year-old even reached out to an agency that deals with an issue that many adults aren’t all that comfortable with, the Rape Victim-Survivor Service.

Most of these young people are doing just what adult volunteers do. They pick an area they enjoy or are interested in and volunteer their time to support that cause. It costs them nothing and is a wonderful gift to the community. In most cases, their volunteer work is something they do for enjoyment like reading or playing with animals. But their contributions are meaningful and constructive.

In an era when many young people spend a large chunk of their time watching a screen television or computer it’s great to see local youths getting out and being of service to others. Instead of being bored or engaging in activities that might lead to trouble, they are contributing their talents to others. Hopefully, it’s a habit they will carry with them into adulthood.

Adults often say they don’t have time to get involved with volunteer activities, but the young people featured in Tuesday’s J-W set a good example for would-be volunteers, both young and old. It’s usually possible to find time for the activities you find worthwhile and enjoyable.

If these young people can find the time, maybe there is an hour or two each of us could spare this week to do something for someone else.