Christmas Service Ideas

Every year I like to get my kids involved in a couple of service projects. They are a great way to bring our family together and service is always good. While this list isn't grand, it can be a starting point if you need ideas. And please, share ideas that you do so the rest of us can benefit also.

Humanitarian Projects: Check out the church's website for needed projects; many of them lend themselves well to an evening or weekend of family service. The year Tess was born we didn't take her out at all so we tied a quilt. It was so fun to do as a family.

Food Bank donations: It always seems local food banks are low at this time of year. Different ideas to implement this are to give each child a certain amount of money and a list of most needed items and let them choose some things to buy to take to the food bank. Or organize a neighborhood food bank donation day. Some people in our neighborhood do this every year and they provide a movie on a big screen outside and hot chocolate and other things if you bring some items.

School Donations: Teachers and schools often need supplies. Many schools could use basic supplies such as pencils, paper and crayons. Others would benefit more from volunteer hours. As a teacher I could always use help cutting things out, sorting papers, mending books etc. A phone call to your local school could easily give you ideas of service projects.

Nursing Homes: Most people there would just enjoy a visit. But here is a list of good ideas of other things you could do.

Something in your neighborhood: Is there a single mom in your neighborhood? Offer to take her kids for an evening so she can relax or shop for Christmas. While you have the kids, take them shopping for something for their mom, or help them make something for her. Is there a family in your neighborhood with a few small children that would have to hire a sitter in order to do their Christmas shopping? Offer to take the kids for an evening while they get out. The year we did this we had tea parties with the kids and did other crafts. It was so fun!

Hospitals: Look at this list of needs of Primary Children's Medical Center. The list just makes me excited because there are so many ways to help them. Since our ward is involved in a service project for them this year, they sent a packet with back ground information and a DVD. One thing they said is that the quilts they receive only last 3 months because of the disinfecting washes they go through, so they are always in need of those. Check the hospitals in your area for needs they have. (see my journals below that I made for the hospital)

I know there are a lot of other ideas out there so please share any ideas you have so we all can benefit. I'd love to hear them!