Every day, Zoom, WGBH's popular PBS series and Web site, invites kids to turn off the television and get up and do something. More than three million children have responded, sending in experiments, poems, recipes, and more. Now Zoom is encouraging kids to take the next step and volunteer. "No matter how big or small the volunteer activity," says executive producer Kate Taylor, "we want to show how families across the nation can make a difference. Our Zoom into Action segments showcase young volunteers, and our Web site is full of ideas for volunteer projects and success stories sent in by kids."

Thousands of children and their families across the country participated in Zoom into Action efforts in 2002. Locally, Zoom and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay hosted a Community Care Day. More than 100 WGBH members and their families participated in projects around the Allston/Brighton area. Volunteers cleaned up parks, painted classrooms, and visited with the elderly. "Zoom is inspiring young viewers to get involved in their communities," Taylor says. "We're proud that Zoom is spurring kids and their families to roll up their sleeves and discover the many rewards of volunteering."

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