Assist kids in developing social and organizational skills as well as self-confidence through involvement in service projects.
Involvement in service learning projects helps kids develop in countless ways. Helping others allows kids to step outside of themselves and their concerns and begin to develop the empathy and understanding they will need to function in a global society. It helps them develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills as they work with others to make their project a reality. Most importantly, involvement in helping gives teens a sense of value and self-worth that can give them the confidence to tackle other challenges and projects.
Here are some organizations that are working to do amazing things across the globe. Any of these agencies would be a perfect recipient for your fundraising efforts.
World Vision provides relief teams to assist people around the world in the aftermath of catastrophic events. Through this agency, your kids can help provide food, water, tents, clothing, and blankets to children and families who have been displaced by disasters. World Vision has a unique “gift catalog”, where teens can choose to make life-changing gifts to families and communities. You can use your fundraisers to provide, for example, goats, alpacas, fishing kits, or contribute to the digging of a well that will provide clean drinking water to an entire community. The web site is easy to navigate and teens will easily be able to learn about the impact their donations will have. Letting kids decide what project they want to undertake increases enthusiasm and ownership. Kids can hold bake sales, car washes, raffles, or other fundraisers to earn money for this worthy project.
Playpumps International works to install their unique “playpumps” in developing countries where people have limited access to clean, fresh water. Why is it called a Playpump? The unusual design of the pump includes a merry go round for children to play on. The motion of the merry go round powers the pump. This is a service project that can truly save lives: according to the Playpump website, “half the people in developing countries are suffering from water-related diseases.” The web site even offers a series of Action Kits designed to help with your fundraiser. They include invitations, press releases, tally sheets, fact sheets, and other resources.
Terracycle helps teach kids about saving resources through their Bottle Brigade and Drink Pouch Brigade program. Each collected bottle or pouch nets your group a set fee donated to the charity of your choice. Terracycle will even send you the shipping boxes. Check out their web site for more info on this cool and unique organization.
Other options right in your community. Contact your nearest Habitat for Humanity and get kids involved in constructing new homes. Most cities and larger towns have some sort of soup kitchen, food pantry, or service organization where kids can help organize and serve food. Check your local library for literacy projects and your local animal shelter for opportunities for teens to help care for unwanted pets. Contact a local nursing home to see if you can arrange for your kids to provide companionship for the elderly. All of these ideas are great opportunities for kids to gain a sense of contribution while improving their self-esteem.
