American School in Japan alumnus Jonathan Higa and student Alex Heideman are setting an example for others interested in volunteerism by boosting the youth activities of Hands On Tokyo, a nonprofit organization offering community services.
Hands On Tokyo is involved in 12 projects that have made it partners with organizations that need volunteer help, including a senior facility and a children's home.
The 18-year-old teens from the school in Chofu, western Tokyo, originally took part in one or some of HOT's activities, including teaching tennis to the visually impaired or visiting an orphanage and a home for abused children. Through this experience, they felt it was important to start volunteering at a young age and get used to the idea of serving the community.