They were dubbed as the "we" generation -- selfish and materialistic youngsters focused only on their needs. But statistics dispute this notion. Worldwide young people volunteer 2.4 billion hours annually, helping in elderly homes, orphanages and community centres, among others.

This photo gallery documents the invaluable contribution provided by young people to promote volunteerism worldwide.

Photos

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Elizabeth Reed, 13, was among volunteers who delivered Christmas in June bags to hospice patientsin Alabama, US. Here, she visits Nola White, who can no longer speak or care for herself because of colon cancer, and White's daughter, Janice Hornbuckle. (DAILY Photo by Dan Henry)

A young volunteer teaches an elderly man how to use a computer.
(Photo: Caritas Community Centre. China)

India: Young volunteers loading relief supplied on to truck, Dec 30, 2004. (Owner: Thaths)

Two young volunteers of the NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service) plant marsh grass in the United States. (Photo: NOAA)

This page can found at: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/photo-gallery/young-people-as-volunteers/page/5.html