9 Ways to Make a Holiday Season Mpact

“Because we care, we serve.” The words rush through the portals of my mind and echo through my heart. The motto of our girls’ club seems like a distant memory, but our mission has never changed. We still exist to bring others to Jesus, and service is one of the primary vehicles God uses to make an eternal difference in the life of another. With this in mind, here are nine ideas to get your creative juices flowing as you look for ways your girls can serve your community this holiday season:

• As a former schoolteacher, I can tell you that schools always need donated items. School supplies, coats, and shoes, and socks are always in short supply. The United States has a growing homeless population of children. Check with your principal or parent liaison for ways you can help with these items.
• Sponsor a needy family or make a holiday basket for someone going through a crisis.
• Provide socks with water bottles and granola bars for the homeless. Remember to do this only with adequate adult supervision.
• Participate as a club in a Special Olympic event. Encouraging a special athlete as he or she competes is very rewarding. Research to find your local chapter.
• Partner with Operation Gratitude to show your support for our troops and first responders.
• Collect baby items and personal necessities for your local women’s shelter or pregnancy center.
• Adopt a child through Angel Tree, a service dedicated to taking care of a child whose parents are incarcerated.
• Go caroling at a nursing home or visit an assisted living facility and put puzzles together with the residents. Have your younger girls practice their reading skills by bringing picture books to read to the residents.
• If you want to branch out and focus on world missions, you can fill a shoebox for Samaritan’s Purse or partner with Compassion International.

Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, let your service be a testimony of God’s lavish grace. Serve with humble attitudes, praying that as we establish relationships within our communities, the Holy Spirit will pour out His grace on the ones we serve.