Holiday Service Projects for Teens
Kids’ Christmas Service Learning Opportunities
Reinforce the value of giving this holiday season with a service project that will enable your kids to help others while learning valuable skills.
During the holiday season, it can be easy for kids to get caught up in the whirlwind of wish lists, fun events, shopping, and general holiday excitement. Too often, kids become exclusively focused on the gifts they hope to get. Try involving kids in a service project that will get them thinking about what they hope to give, as well. Here are some ideas:
Collect Presents for Toys for Tots
Teen can ask permission to set up shop outside of local toy stores. Shoppers can purchase extra toys to donate as they leave the store. Check out the toys for tots website for drop off sites. New, unwrapped toys are usually preferred.
Salvation Army
Most kids can easily recognize the Salvation Army bell ringers stationed outside of busy retail stores during the holiday season. They might even enjoy ringing the bells themselves! Check out their website for info and links to local chapters. The Salvation Army also provides clothing, food, and toys for needy families, shut-ins, and the elderly. This type of service may also appeal to teens.
Help at a Soup Kitchen/Food Bank
Teens can volunteer to help collect, prepare or serve food for the homeless or low-income families. This is a great opportunity for kids to feel that their efforts are making a difference to others, and also helps hones critical organizational and teamwork skills. Check your local social service agencies for opportunities that exist in your community.
Visit Nursing Homes
Sometimes the best gift is the gift of time and attention. Groups of teens may want to visit local nursing homes together, and may want to bring small gifts or treats for the residents. Kids may want to read to residents, play a game of cards, or just sit and talk. This kind of service project will appeal to very social, outgoing teens.
Adopt a Family
Many schools, service agencies, and businesses offer the opportunity to “adopt” a family at holiday time. This means that volunteers agree to purchase and donate gifts for the children in their adopted family. Volunteers are given children’s age, gender, needs, and preferences. A group of teens may want to adopt a child, plan their purchases, and shop for gifts together. This is a great way to help kids learn how to focus on the spirit of giving.
Food Drive
Food drives are a simple way to get much-needed supplies to needy families. Ask local supermarkets if you can set up boxes outside. Provide lists of suggested items to shoppers as they enter the store. Then, they can pick up a few extra canned or boxed goods to drop off with you as they exit. Food can be donated to shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, or specific families in need.
Coat Drive
Collect new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for distribution to needy adults and children. You can advertise in local schools and stores, and set up a collection area in a convenient location. Check with your local social service agencies regarding where to deliver donations.
You may also be interested in Positive Role Models for Teens or Team Building Activities for Teens.
