We all love the idea of serving. We love the stories of helping out those in need. Unfortunately, we tend to think of these ideas only at Christmas and when we go on Mission trips. But there are so many small things we can do locally that can make a big impact – not just on those we serve, but on us as well. Every time you serve with your kids you are loosening the grip that entitlement and consumerism has on our kids … and on us. Big thanks to Kevin Pisano, Real Life’s Director of Local Outreach, for these great ideas and Scriptures to go along with them!
1. Big Tipper
Take your family out to dinner and when the bill comes, tip big. Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about generosity. 2 Corinthians 8
2. Flower Power
Go purchase several inexpensive flower bouquets and take your family to a local senior center. Pass out single flowers to all of the elderly women at the center. Matt 6:28-30
3. Neighborhood Clean Up
Take the family on a walk in the neighborhood. Bring some small trash bags and gloves and pick up loose trash as you go. Colossians 3:23
4. Block Party
Pick a day to rally a bunch of neighbors together and plan the largest potluck your community has ever seen! Use this as a time to get to know those around you. Luke 5:27-31
5. Brown Bag Blessing
Have your family make sack lunches to give out to homeless people. Matthew 25:31-407.
6. Sunny Day
Go buy travel size sunscreen. Take the family to the park to hand out the sunscreen to people. Philippians 2:3-4
7. Garage Giveaway
Schedule a Garage Sale and give all the proceeds to a local charity. Take the family to the nonprofit to personally deliver the funds and to learn more about what the nonprofit does. Acts 4:32-35
8. Resource Rally
Gather resources for people experiencing homelessness. Call a local shelter and ask if there is a list of needs. Gather those items and bring them to the shelter. Get to know some of the staff and guests. Acts 2:45
9. Shopping Cart Scramble
Take your family to a Walmart or Target parking lot and push stray carts to their homes. James 2:14-18
10. Thanks for Your Service
Make cookies or some goodies and take them to a local police or fire station just to say, “Thank You,” to those who put their lives on the line for others. Philippians 1:3-4
Those are just a few ideas – what are yours?
Make hygene packs to pass out to homeless on corners with signs or take them to our homeless outreach program at Savia on Monday nights.
Hand out water bottles and dog treats at the local dog park.
Take cookies to the librarians.
Make blankets for Project Linus (donates to critically ill and traumatized kids)
Babysit for a family with young kids so the parents can go on a date.
Take in (or out) an elderly neighbor’s trash cans.
Donate and serve at a food pantry (Help the Children or SC Food Pantry)