Lend a Hand | Archives
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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! |
Winter means cooler weather. Do you ever take your hats, mittens, and scarves for granted when you bundle up to head outside this time of year? Not everyone has access to these winter necessities. Why not organize a hat and coat drive at your church or school? Make fliers or posters and set out boxes to collect new or gently used items from your friends, family, and neighbors. Then, donate them to a local shelter or another ministry that helps people in need. Each time you pull on your mittens or wrap up in scarf, let God know how thankful you are for the ways He provides and for using you to help others! |
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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. |
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It’s great to help people around the world and in your own community! But, sometimes we forget that there are people we can lend a hand to in our own homes! As the holiday season gets underway, families often get very busy. This month, look for ways you can help out at home. Offer to set the table if you have guests over for dinner. Help clean the house. Volunteer to watch your younger siblings if your parents have errands. Remind your family frequently how thankful you are for each of them! |
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Fall is in full blast in many parts of North America. And while cooler days and nights mean an extra scarf or sweater for most of us, many people don’t have homes to protect them when harsh weather hits. |
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Summer is over, which means girls all over North America are heading back to school. Sometimes we take school for granted and forget to really appreciate what an amazing blessing it is to be able to learn and grow more and more each year. This year, as you gear up to step back into the classroom, why not take some of that money you have been saving for back-to-school shopping and lend a hand to someone halfway around the world? But a brick (or two!) for The Esther School and help kids in Zambia get an education. Grab some friends and brainstorm ways to earn money to buy more bricks! |
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Make some time this summer to declutter your life and help someone in need. Make sure it’s okay with your parents then clean out your closet. Are there clothes in there that don’t fit anymore? Are there things that are in good condition but that you never wear? Put them in a pile. Next, go through your room and do the same thing with all your books, toys, and trinkets. Once you are done, check around to see if your area has any thrift stores that support a charity. Or, find a local Goodwill or Salvation Army (US or CN) to donate your stuff to. Not only will you be helping others, you’ll help simplify your own life! |
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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. |
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Check out GEMS The Call to Zambia 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! |
