group that helps make a difference in people’s
lives? Does your group struggle to find ways to help others? Tired
of the same old Bake Sale-Car Wash routine?
Below are five ideas your group can use to make a difference.
Ways to Change the World.
- Organize a Group or Neighborhood Yard Sale and
contribute the proceeds to a worthy cause. One neighborhood
adopted an orphanage in Thailand and worked together to send
thousands of dollars from their garage sale. In addition to the
money they sent, neighbors became closer and new friendships
were made.
- Organize a Homeless Shelter (or other needy group)
Scavenger Hunt. You’ll need a group of people – the more, the
better.
Call the Homeless Shelter or group and ask for a list of needs
Ask them to put the things they need most or get the least of,
at the top of the list.
Assign point values to each item – with the most-needed items
getting the most point value.
Send everyone out with their lists – let them know that the
team or person that creates the most points with what they bring
in, will win the contest.
Either put up a prize yourself or ask a local restaurant if they
will provide a free meal to the winners.
Younger adults really enjoy the search for items and what a
great lesson – it’s fun to give to others!
- Have a Toy Drive for a local Battered Women’s Shelter, Safe
House or Homeless Shelter that has kids. The toys don’t have to
be new.
Have members go around their neighborhoods
Ask each family to donate ‘gently used’ toys their kids don’t
use anymore. There will be tons – what a great way to involve kids
in the joy of giving!
- If you play a sport, have your teammates bring in their old
equipment. Much of it will still be in good shape.
Donate it to a team in a less fortunate part of town
Find a group overseas to receive the equipment for teams in
their own country
- A group of 50 of classmates went to their Community
Center.
They painted it, fixed the chairs, and basketball hoops.
They bought more balls and equipment with money raised
from a School Rummage and Bake Sale.
They repainted the lines on the courts and planted some
flowering plants in the front.
A few dads repaired the Jungle Gym, the slide and the swings
out back.
Then they painted all of them rainbow colors and weeded the
back lot.
They had a lot of fun and made a big difference at the same time!
And the children learned the value of caring about others.
Remember, your ability to make a difference depends on your