Turn Your Summer Gatherings into Service Projects
With kids out of school and vacation days booked, summer offers a real chance for families to brainstorm, get creative and take action when it comes to giving back. Check out some of our favorite ways for families to incorporate service and acts of kindness into their Summer happenings:
1. Going to a family reunion? While sharing ideas with family members of what activities to do when everyone is together, throw service into the mix. Between trips to the aquarium, zoo or beach, find a local food bank, animal shelter, or other charity around your location where they could use some hands on effort for a couple hours one day. Makes for truly great family memories!
2. Hosting a pool party or neighborhood block party? Ask attendees to bring 2 or 3 non-perishable items for 'admittance.' Collect them in a decorated box at the front door, and donate to a local shelter or foodbank afterwards.
3. Kids having a sleepover? After the movie and popcorn, break out some craft and construction paper and markers. Encourage kids to make cards for family members, neighbors, or the 'volunteers' in their lives like Scout leaders, youth sport coaches, etc.
4. Attending a potluck? If you're cooking or baking something for a summer potluck, get the kids involved and make an extra dish or a dozen extra goodies - drop them at an elderly neighbor's or a friend you know could use a pick-me-up act of kindness.
5. Staying active and getting outdoors? If this is on your family's summer bucket list, turn it into a service idea by running or walking in the community 5K or Fun Run where proceeds go to a cause your whole family cares about.
Check out more summer volunteering ideas HERE.
