Need some service project ideas

[Missy]

My daughter will have Confirmation in the spring with our church. She has to identify a service project that is not a one time type deal - it has to be something ongoing for a period of time and can be 1x a month, 1x a week, whatever.

Our problem is we have four kids, my DH works Saturdays, Sundays are our only full family day. My oldest runs cross country and is getting ready for winter track.

So . . . do any of you have ideas? She thought about sending letters or cards to soldiers overseas but doesn't know where to start or to get names. She's very crafty, loves people and helping others.

Thanks!

[Admin shilton]

What about something in your own neighborhood so you don't have to drive. Such as identify a few elderly or disabled neighbors and she can do little things like take their trashcans to the curb and back up to the house each week on trash day, help them carry groceries in on grocery day. Maybe even just spend a little time with them each week playing cards or something kind of like a companion to lift their spirits.

[My2Blessings]

Scarlett, I think that is a great idea!

Missy, I also think that sending packages overseas is a good idea. She can make cards to the soldiers.

[MomToElizabeth]

When I wasn't working (had just moved to the area and not found a job yet), I volunteered at the local retirement home. Each week, I would host the bingo game. It was lots of fun. After we did around 30 minutes of bingo, I would wheel everyone back to their rooms and sometimes just chat with them. There were some pretty interesting people there at the home. Many of them didn't have family to talk to and they really wanted someone to just sit with them for a while.

[Deb]

perhaps she could baby sit for a family once a month, or do some kind of mothers helper jobs. maybe even doing trash pick up on walks could fit better in your schedule.

[Tanikova]

she can cook casseroles or such for homeless shelters... I know our church had a collection of them, even provided some recipes and the foil containers and the shelter would come and collect them periodically

[MommaBean]

what about having her collect for the shelters in your area?
or see if any of them need help with like envelope stuffing or other small tasks maybe she can do at home for them?

also would volunteering at the library work out? (if i remember correctly when my brother had community service and the library was a choice for him to take)...see if she can do a story time/craft time for them?


assisted living homes could use her with various needs like ...Be a "secretary" for someone who has difficulty writing (someone with a disability or illness). Ask if the person would like to dictate a letter to a family member or friend while she writes for him or her.

[Sue]

She thought about sending letters or cards to soldiers overseas but doesn't know where to start or to get names.

Thanks!

I could help you with that as my DH is in Iraq now. He has told me that a lot of our soldiers don't get anything and would love to get a letter.

If you/your DD needs help with that please PM me and I will give you some info.

Personally, I think that is a great idea.

[dmwinch]

I'm not sure how old she is. If she is 11 or 12, maybe she can tutor a 6 or 7 year old once a week in reading, or something?

[carj]

My son is a patient at a local Shriner Hospital. Every time we go for a clinic visit, he gets something cool. They also give my daughter something when she comes in with him.

A lot of times, the items are store bought but they are often made by someone. Here is a some of things that we have recieved that your daughter could make.

Zip-lock bag full of Valentines from a Sunday School class.

Crossword puzzle/ word find book for kids, This was homemade and th copied onto paper and stapled into a book.

Christmas ornament, a really easy one was the candy cane reindeer.

He gets something every time we go. It doesn't matter how big or small, he just likes to get something. (It is also great if it helps pass the time while waiting!)

At the same hospital, in the child life room, they have crafts and activities that are often conducted by outside people. One day we made picture frames and had digital pictures taken. Another time we made gingerbread houses. This would really require more planning.

Your daughter could make fairy wands or princess crown kits for girls in the hospital. You can put the supplies and some stickers into a bag and then the hospital volunteers can hand them out.