Thursday, May 28, 2009 — Aaaah summer vacation is just a few weeks away: fireworks, longer days, swimming pools, popsicles, and...summer jobs? Yes, there comes a time when everyone must get their first job. Besides, it's always more satisfying to run after the ice cream truck with your own hard-earned cash, right? And summer jobs are a great way to do something fun and get paid at the same time! Sound too good to be true? Well, a bit of research will be required. But here are some ideas to help you kick-start your hunt!

For those too young to really hit the pavement, yard sales and lemonade stands are always a big hit in summer. Just ask Laslo Balint, head of the Millsberry Donation Center! Laslo grew up holding yard sales with his family. And, his yard-sale experience later inspired him to start the Donation Center!

"What started out as a money-making venture turned into me giving my family's stuff away for free. My parents weren't too happy about that - especially when I gave away my dad's baseball card collection when I was nine!"

Well, Laslo has come a long way since then. And, while it's great to make extra money, it's also nice to give back. That's why, if you donate any of your items to the Donation Center between May 28th- June 25th, you could win the award Laslo plans to present to the month's top donor of items of any value!

"It's great to see how people treasure what others no longer want or need. The other day, we had to hold a slam-dunk contest to see who would get the pirate's encyclopedia set!"

And if you are old enough to get a real paycheck? Ever wonder how reporters like me got their start? It all started with a paper route when I was 13 years old. One summer I delivered The Gazette on my new ten-speed bike, all around the Golden Valley neighborhood. Not only was I getting paid, but I was also getting great exercise! Plus, by delivering the paper, I got inspired to write articles of my own. That's also how my job ended. Every morning, I would sit under the same tree, composing the day's article to slip in with each customer's Gazette. I was writing silly stories, about my baby brother, and about how I was teaching my bird to talk. Fortunately, the paper appreciated my enthusiasm and told me to come back in a few years, as an intern. The rest is history.

The Gazette asked Laslo if he had any other ideas about summer jobs for kids. He said, "Pet-sitting or dog-walking for family and friends? Lots of people go away over the summer and could probably use a pet-sitter. You might also try gardening or mowing lawns."

Leave it to Laslo - always willing to help out. And his suggestions are great. It's super to find a summer job that keeps you active and outside. So get creative, and start crafting your master plan to earn and save this summer - in addition to buying some cool toys or new shoes!