Web site connects volunteers nationally

The Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation wants kids to help other kids.

What: Scottsdale entrepreneur and philanthropist Jim Piccolo is encouraging families to volunteer together across the country. In 2007, Piccolo founded the Frank Edward Piccolo Foundation, which focuses on helping youth charities. The foundation recently launched an online database aimed at making it easy for volunteers of all ages to connect with local charities.

"It is so important, especially in difficult economic times, to give of yourself and help others," Piccolo said in a statement. "It not only lifts up those in need and improves the quality of life in our communities, but it also improves the quality of our own lives."

The database includes charities in 21 states and will soon include all 50.

"We're trying to make it a resource for kids and families to get out and make a difference," said Sonya Lee-Hoops, director of new programs with the foundation. "A lot of these opportunities on the site will give people a real sense of giving back. It's not just about giving out of your pocket."

Getting kids involved: Taking the first step to volunteer is often the hardest part, Lee-Hoops said. "Once people get out there and start doing things they feel good and want to keep doing it," she said. The foundation is trying to get more high-school-age children involved by creating challenges between schools to see which school can do the most community service hours.

Local opportunities: Lee-Hoops said one of the biggest hurdles is that people don't know about all the volunteer opportunities. The Web site has more than 100 opportunities for people of all ages to choose from throughout the Valley.

To volunteer: Visit frankedwardpiccolo.org and click on Programs.

- Erin Norris, The Republic/azcentral.com, erin.norris@arizonarepublic.com