Young People Volunteering in Fewer Numbers but for Longer Hours, Study Finds

College students and recent graduates who volunteer are putting on longer and steadier hours of service work, USA Today reports as part of a special section of articles on giving.

The number of volunteer hours put in by students rose last year even as the actual number of collegiate volunteers declined, according to a study by Volunteering in America.

“The students who are volunteering are doing so more regularly or on a longer-term basis,” said Heather Peeler of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Some experts said the shaky economy and competitive job market are factors in turning young people toward greater volunteer work.

Among other topics, the USA Today package reports on major retail firms’ holiday charity campaigns; the growing trend of free stores that offer merchandise in exchange for donated items or time; and the USO Wishbook, an online catalog through which donors and purchase gifts for wounded and active-duty service members.