When Christmastime donations dry up, many charitable organizations in your community may be hurting. In this economy, food pantries are running out of supplies. Homeless shelters are turning people away. This winter is a good time to teach your club members the value of service. Help them focus on “giving” after all the “getting” of Christmas.

Nursing Home Visit

Often nursing homes have more offers from groups to come visit at Christmas than at any other time—but few offers the rest of the year. Ideas:

• Snow Fun. See if there’s a long window where residents could line up and watch the kids outside making snowmen for them. Residents and kids can wave at each other. Then let kids take pans of snow indoors for the residents to sculpt.
• Singalong. Help kids plan a singalong of choruses and hymns.
• Craft. Plan a simple craft that children can help the residents make.

Going to the Dogs

Kids love animals! See if your club can tour an animal shelter. Make dog biscuits for them. Or organize a drive to collect whatever supplies they need.

Toy Making Party

Get together to make toys for a family shelter or children’s hospital. See various activity awards for toy ideas. Suggestions from the Parties and Special Events book:

• Glove Puppets. Decorate each finger of a glove as a different character. Glue on bits of cloth and yarn, and use markers to draw faces.
• Erasable Pictures. Fill one-fourth of a zipper plastic bag with thick tempera or finger paint. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal bag. Add wide tape over the zipper. Create pictures in the paint by pressing on the bag with fingers.

School Supplies

Organize a backpack and school supplies drive for needy children in the area. Ask church leaders or your county offices to find recipients.

Valentines

Make valentines for people in a local hospital or rehab center. Include a Bible verse about God’s love for us.