In these unusual times, the starfish project for children puts safety first now more than ever. This season we are encouraging you to suggest fun community service activities to do at home as a family or by your child, himself, with friends or with an adult. Either way, your children’s sense of self confidence and value will grow because your children will be adding value through their service!
MAKE IT A PARTY!
Active time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Help CELEBRATE! throw birthday parties for underserved children by making festive birthday cards. Bring on the glitter!! Go to celebraterva.org/makeacard for ideas for messages and decorating. Mail your completed cards to Celebrate! 2920 West Broad Street, Suite 11, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
DID SOMEONE SAY DOG? DID SOMEONE SAY TOYS?
Active time: 1 hour
Make room for new clothes while you make fun for your Fido and a friend. All you need is an old t-shirt, a scissor and a lap for this project for all ages. Follow the easy two-minute tutorial on how to make tug toys to donate to animal shelters and the SPCA. anticruelty.org/dog-tug-toys. The results are fast and fun!
LOVE YOUR MOTHER (EARTH)!
Active time: 3 hours
Make composting bins for your neighborhood. This service requires kids to identify families who are interested in simple composting. Your child then creates a supply list and directions for how to make a simple composting bin. See how easy it is by making your own first. For directions and supply list, go to younghouselove.com/younghoudrlovedotcompost/
CREATE TREASURE -WRITE YOUR FAMILY STORY
Active Time: TBD
Community Service starts at home. You and your child can undertake a family history project that is guaranteed to become a family treasure. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania will guide you through the process and give you tips on collecting oral histories. https://www.portal.hsp.org/getting-started.
PB&J With a SIDE OF TOLERANCE & DIVERSITY
Active Time: TBD
Your child can participate in the fight against hunger and spread tolerance by organizing a neighborhood food donation of peanut butter and jelly. The key is that when notifying neighbors of the donation opportunity, your child also includes a page on food restrictions by culture and religion. You can use this subtle opportunity to teach your child about diversity tolerance and to let your child be the teacher! Generation.org/projects/tolerance-condensed. Food can be donated to local food pantries, https://www.stmarysardmore.org/, https://narberthcommunityfoodbank.org/
For more information about age appropriate community service opportunities, contact the starfish project for children. http://www.thestarfishprojectforchildren.org/contact