Marking nearly 100 volunteer opportunities created for children throughout the Pittsburgh region, VolunTOTS of Southwestern Pennsylvania will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a community birthday party on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, in the East End. VolunTOTS will host two sessions: one from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and another from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy free children’s activities and learn how VolunTOTS empowers children to be helpers in their communities.
Designed to celebrate the VolunTOTS community and welcome in new volunteers, the free event will feature activities, including bounce houses, entertainment from Mad Science of Pittsburgh, and appearances from the Pirate Parrot and other special guests.
“We want to bring families together to celebrate the value of volunteerism and our belief that everyone can be a helper, including young children,”said Cami Teacoach, VolunTOTS founder and chief executive officer. “As parents, we strive to raise kind, community-minded kids. VolunTOTS offers families an outlet to put these values into action and show children how capable they are of contributing. Over the past five years, it’s been rewarding to see how much families genuinely enjoy volunteering together, whether we’re visiting with seniors or gathering food donations for neighbors in need.”
Founded in 2021, VolunTOTS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that creates volunteer opportunities for children, empowering them to give back, build confidence and embrace the values of kindness, generosity and civic engagement. From visiting senior communities to tending community gardens, children learn they’re never too young to make a difference.
Inspired by her own early volunteer experiences as a child, Teacoach launched the VolunTOTS Facebook Group in February 2021, envisioning it as an informal outlet for parents and caregivers to swap ideas for engaging young children in community service. The idea quickly gained traction, and the group grew to over 500 group members in three days, far exceeding Teacoach’s expectations.
“At the time, I was struggling to find volunteer opportunities to participate in with my then three-year-old son. I started volunteering with my mom at an early age, and it was a huge influence in my life and my career path,” said Teacoach, who holds Master’s Degrees in Social Work and Public Health with an emphasis on maternal and child health. “When I saw how the idea resonated with other families, I knew we could really make a difference.”
Over the past five years, the VolunTOTS Facebook Group has grown to over 3,000 members. Along with Teacoach, a team of steering committee volunteers helps organize kid-driven volunteer opportunities designed to spread joy and help neighbors in need.
One of VolunTOTS’ first major projects remains one of Teacoach’s proudest. In March 2021, a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, VolunTOTS members created over 3,000 treat bags to thank local “healthcare heroes.” Volunteers delivered the bags, including snacks and handmade cards, to healthcare professionals at 27 facilities.
Since then, VolunTOTS has partnered with organizations, including Hello Neighbor, Jeremiah's Place, the Gardens of Millvale and senior living communities throughout the Pittsburgh suburbs. Among the largest events of the year are Thanksgiving food drives held at locations, including Temple Emanuel in the South Hills and Discovery Christian Church in Mars. Between both locations, families collected and packed over 350 Thanksgiving food boxes in November for local families experiencing food insecurity.
Families are invited to join the VolunTOTS Facebook Group to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities like these and learn more about getting involved. Community members interested in attending VolunTOTS Fifth Birthday Party can register for the free event at volunTOTS.org.
VolunTOTS Fifth Birthday Party
Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Time:
Session I: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Session II: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue
Registration: Registration is required at voluntots.org.
Cost: Free
About VolunTOTS
As Mr. Rogers famously told children, “Look for the helpers.” By creating meaningful volunteer experiences for all ages, VolunTOTS shows children that everyone can be a helper. Founded in 2021, VolunTOTS is a 501(c)3 organization that empowers children to give back, build confidence and embrace the values of kindness, generosity and civic engagement. From visiting nursing homes to tending community gardens, children learn they’re never too young to make a difference. Learn more at voluntots.org.
