New York ? Teenagers often are portrayed as selfish clotheshorses, but retailer American Eagle found that its young customers are interested in giving back.

The company, with Sovereign Marketing, surveyed more than 1,000 15- to 25-year-olds and found that 88 percent of respondents were interested in volunteer work, though 41 percent have never done it.

What’s stopping them? Aside from being busy, 34 percent said they hadn’t found anything they’re passionate about and another 29 percent said they didn’t know how to get started.

American Eagle responded with its Great Gifts program. Potential good samaritans can come into stores to learn about volunteering in their communities, and also can donate $1 to either YMCA National Safe Place, the early literacy program Jumpstart, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. All funds raised will go directly to the causes.

In return for a donation, American Eagle will give out a rubber bracelet — available in blue, orange, red and green — that’s etched with the store’s name.