April:

When Zach Hunter learned that slavery was still a real problem in many places, he started an organization called Loose Change to Loosen Chains that collects change from people. The money is then used to help abolish slavery and advocate for human rights all over the world. This month, set out a jar or a cup and collect all of your loose change.

Empty your pockets at the end of the day, and pick up any change you see on the sidewalk or in between the couch cushions. Get your whole family involved. Then, decide as a group what kind of an organization you would like to donate your money to at the end of the month.

March:

We often hear about people all over the world who do not have enough food to eat. But, did you know that there are people in your own community that go to bed hungry every night? Ask your parents, teachers, or pastors about contacting a local food bank (a local organization that collects food to distribute to people in need).

Then, check with your school and church about setting out boxes to collect canned food and dry goods. Decorate the boxes and put signs on them explaining what the food is for. Once the boxes are full, donate all of the food you have collected to your local food bank!

February:

You don’t have to leave your home to lend a hand! Make a cheerful card for someone who is lonely or in need of encouragement. If you don’t know anyone, ask your parents or a pastor at your church for suggestions. Draw pictures or write encouraging words to the person. Decorate the card and add Bible verses that might lift his or her spirits.

If the person lives nearby, hand deliver the card and let the person know you are thinking about him or her. Otherwise, drop it in the mail and then follow up in a month or so with another note to see how they are doing.

January:

Check out GEMS The Call to Africa and pick one of the options there. Raise money to buy a Bible, reading glasses for counselors, or put together a sewing kit to help a girl in Zambia complete her sewing badge. Get creative with how you earn the money, and then email us and tell us what you did!

December:

Snow is a sure sign of winter, and there are plenty of ways for you to lend a hand as temperatures begin to drop. Borrow a shovel and volunteer to clear a neighbor or an elderly friend’s driveway or sidewalk. No snow where you live? Not a problem! Cut someone’s grass, offer to rake their yard, or water their flowers.

Remember to take time to enjoy God’s creation, and praise Him for it while you work!