Service projects with preschoolers

Toni - posted on 06/09/2009

I really like the idea of getting together with other families for service projects. We try to do that for Lent and Advent. This past Easter several mothers and kiddos met at the local park and decorated smal flower pots. Then we all took a few home and planted a flower in them. We went to the nursing home and delivered the Easter gifts to all the residents. It really brightened their day and the kids got the chance to visit with the residents.

Sometimes it takes a little extra oomph on your part, but once you get the ball rolling other mothers will jump in. Everyone will benefit. Good luck and God Bless!

Karen - posted on 06/02/2009

One of the Moms in our church had her children put money in a box for the "poor people that didn't have any money" and at Christmas they gave the money to a local charity that helped people. Her children are 6 and 4. - They understood what they were doing. Also the local elementary school had a club to help people and collected canned goods for the food bank. You could also get involved with the LIteracy council in your neighborhood and they read to kids - to let her know that there are children that don't have books.

Sara - posted on 05/27/2009

Maybe you can get a group together at your church and do a monthly community service project with them. My son is in 4-H and Cub scouts so I am lucky my daughter is allowed to be with us when we do our activities.

Here are some idea's that you can use

One time we went to the animal shelter and helped give baths to the animals.

We did a food drive for Cub Scouts and a food scavenger hunt for 4-H.

We have made cards for sick people in our church.

Anita - posted on 05/26/2009

In addition to what Anne posted, I have been teaching my 2 and 3 yr old sons to pray for others. If we hear about someone's misfortune or a death, we pray and try to do something thoughtful. Let them help "write" letters to hurting people (even if they just draw the pictures) or visit a nusing home on Mother or Father's Day.

I think what is most important is that you model your christian lifestyle in front of them. Sometimes, they come up with ideas themselves!

Anne - posted on 05/11/2009

Hi Debbie, Our daughters are 21 and 25 years old. When they were little there Wednesday evening Church program collected canned goods for Thanksgiving baskets(we live in the U.S.) every November, they also were encouraged to bring in change for VBS that would go to certain projects. Our current Children's Pastor was raised in Kenya because her parents were Missionaries. She has set up several ongoing projects for the children to show God's love to our community. Our church is an Angel Food Ministries site, and our children collect pop cans with the money going to purchase a box when ever they raised enough money,(the box of food then is available for any one either in our Church or as part of our food pantry) they have raised money for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, to purchases farm animals for Africa last summer. They also do a coat drive in the fall for children in our area. I guess I said all of this to recommend if you feel you would be comfortable getting something started like that in your Church. One thing I always did with our daughters was to always put money into the Salvation Army bucket during the Holidays. It did not have to be much, a few pennies or nickels what ever change I had in my purse. As young Ladies they have remembered that and both of our daughters have, over the years, supported in some way programs to help the hurting. Do you have an elderly person in your family or neighborhood that you could help out in some way? Not all opportunities need to cost a lot of money. Hand made cards given to church shut ins or Nursing Home residents or hospital patients are also good ways to help your young children involved in helping.