Many time we think of others and those in need around Christmas time but really we can and should serve others anytime of the year. There is ALWAYS someone in need. It doesn’t have to be big either, it can been something simple. And giving back doesn’t have to take a lot of money or time but your kids will learn through your example. And when they get older, they will be better people for thinking of others and caring for those in need. Here are some ideas of service you can do as a family:
For smaller children:
- Make a card for nursing home residents, soldiers or a children’s hospital
- Sort through toys, books & clothes to find items to donate
- Sort canned food & non-perishables for a local food pantry
- Help bake cookies or prepare food to be given to a neighbor in need
- Deliver cards, baked goods to a fire house or police station
- Pick up trash at a local playground, school, library or park
- Do household chores or yard work for elderly neighbors
- Write a letter thanking someone like a teacher or coach
- Visit with those who are unable to leave their homes
- Send a stuffed animal toy to the children’s hospital
- Pick flowers from some who lives alone or needs cheering
For older children:
- Shelve, short and unpack food at a local food bank or pantry
- Service dinner to the local homeless
- Wake up early and make school lunch for your family members
- Read stores to little kids at schools, libraries, daycares or churches
- Hold a lemonade stand or bake sale & donate the profits
- Sew or knit hats for the homeless
- Volunteer to shelve books at a library
- Offer to be a mother’s helper for a new mom
- Make bathroom kits for shelters
- Volunteer with a non-profit or community event
- Help out at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter
- Run errands for an elderly neighbor or family member
- Babysit for a family with a deployed parent
- Tutor/coach younger kids who need extra help in school or in sports
- Adopt a plot at a local nature center to weed
Does your family have service projects you like to do together? Leave a comment letting us know what service you’ve done together as a family or service that’s been done for you.
