Service Project Brainstorming
Posted by Danielle Bean in Family on Monday, February 23, 2009 7:30 AM
Reader Sue Ann recently sent me this question:
“I would love to hear some “alternative” spring break ideas for families who won’t be taking a ski trip or Caribbean Island getaway this year. Specifically, for a larger-ish family, what ideas do people have for service projects? Ideas that work for the smallest to the oldest? I’m looking for a way to not jump out of the season of Lent during the week of spring break and want to incorporate service and have fun. Are those three mutually exclusive? I’m hoping not.”
I think it’s great that you are thinking about doing this with your family’s “off” time.
Organizing a fundraiser might be a fun family project that could benefit the charity of your choice. One of the most successful pro-life projects I ever participated in was a “Baby Shower” we held in college. We put together a real party—a baby shower!—where guests were invited to bring baby items (or cash) for a local crisis pregnancy center.
We served good food, had entertainment, and collected a large number of donations. I have been tempted to try something similar at my parish for a while now ...
But there are lots of different kinds of fundraisers you could consider—parish suppers or some kind of “a-thon” that attracts teens. Dance-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bike-a-thon, etc.
Another idea for a service project would be to contact a local nursing home. Speak to the activities director and ask what kind of projects might benefit their residents.I used to work in an activities department and let me tell you, these kinds of offers were always appreciated.
Maybe your family could help residents with crafts (the gentlemen in the facility where I worked liked woodworking, but most couldn’t do it alone) or could provide some kind of entertainment for the residents—putting on a play, singing, reciting poetry, whatever you are good at ...
I’m just brainstorming here, but I’m sure others have suggestions as well.
What kinds of service projects have you done successfully? What would you recommend?
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