Christmas is traditionally the “season of giving.” There are many ways to give to others. While donations via the Salvation Army or other non-profit organizations are big this time of year, we want to focus on service we can give instead of money.
Steps
1. Collections.
From the Salvation Army collecting donations to winter wear, collecting items is very popular during the Christmas season. It allows us to give to those who need help. Participate in or start a collection to help those who need it for the holidays.
2. Decoration.
A great way to share the holiday is with an ornament gift. We tend to collect ornaments from friends and family. Examine your decorations. Fix those that need it. Donate those that are in good shape. Alternatively, you can help others repair their decorations as a service.
3. Feeders.
Do you make animal feeders for the holidays? Helping our wild friends during the cold and snow is a great way to get the kids motivated. Explore different feeders you can make that serve as a decoration AND feed your nature neighbors as well.
4. Pets.
No one likes to be alone for the holidays. This includes pets. Make and / or donate pet treats, food and blankets to a shelter. Plan to spend some time with the animals if you’re allowed. Call and check first as some shelters have age requirements.
5. Homeless.
Many homeless people don’t have much to look forward to over the holidays. In our community, there are a couple restaurants that open their doors and feed needy families for free. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, shelter or other area people in need frequent. If you don’t have the time, find out what they need and ask your friends to help gather these items.
In addition, you can donate items that the homeless need such as hats, scarves, gloves and socks. These are small things that can mean a lot during the cold weather.
6. Homes.
You may think that people in nursing homes have it better than the homeless. The sense of isolation is just as bad. When my girls worked on their Bronze Award, they did a monthly program for seven months. When the girls handed out extra crafts, treat bags and the like, they were frequently told by residents that they didn’t have the money to pay for things. When the girls insisted they just wanted to give them to the residents, they were greeted with happy tears and hugs. Even the simplest gesture is meaningful. Check with local nursing homes to find out what you can do to help.
7. Parents.
One thing parents have problems with during the holidays is finding time to go shopping. Providing a sitter service for a few hours can allow parents to shop unhindered or give them time to wrap gifts without being spied on. Explore what you would need to do to provide a sitter service for a day . . . or even just a few hours.
8. OCC.
Samaritan’s Purse collects shoeboxes packed with items children need. Operation Christmas Child is a great service project for a group. The shoeboxes are packed, labeled and dropped off at specified locations. Check out this project to see if it is something you’d like to do.
NOTE: They collect boxes before Thanksgiving so they have time to deliver them for Christmas.
9. Community.
Each community is different. Look to various organizations and groups to see how you can help. You may find something you enjoy that you can do beyond the Christmas holiday such as reading to seniors, clearing out brush for an elderly neighbor, donating items to a bake sale, reading at the library for young listeners, making craft projects so kids don’t have to buy as many gifts, donating games to a shelter, etc. Don’t be limited to what you think traditional service should be.
10. Serve.
Talk to family and friends. Identify service that can be done but isn’t even thought about. Serve in your own way. Invite others to help you embrace the giving of this holiday season.
Supplements
SUPP_Christmas Service_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_Christmas Service_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
Sites to Explore
- www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child
- crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/fun-christmas-service-ideas.html
- theshineproject.com/51-holiday-service-projects
- morewithlessmom.com/2015/11/18/real-deal-care-packages-for-homeless
- www.queenoffree.net/2015/12/15-christmas-service-projects-for-families
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Tots
- newdream.org/blog/fun-holiday-service-projects-for-you-and-your-family
- nourishingjoy.com/service-projects-for-kids-advent-calendar
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs