Community service projects are an important growing experience for children of all ages. Through working together, children learn to solve problems and make decisions that affect not only themselves, but their community as well. It helps them connect to local concerns, global issues, and gain a greater awareness of others’ well being. These attitudes will serve them both now and after they transition into the adult world. Here are a few ideas that could help get them started.

Community Improvement

• Pick up litter in a park
• Plant trees or wildflowers in the community
• Plant a garden and donate fruits or vegetables to a local food bank
• Start and maintain a recycling program at school

Literacy Based Ideas

• Read a newspaper to an elderly person who may have trouble seeing small print
• Have them read a book to a younger child who is learning how to read
• Have them read a story to a senior citizen who needs companionship
• Hold a used book sale and donate the funds collected to a charitable cause

Help Out Children in Hospitals

• Have them put together a package for children in a hospital such as bubbles, craft supplies, activity books, or other items that may help brighten their day (New Items Only)
• Hold a crayon, marker, and construction paper drive for the local hospital (New Items Only)

Animal Activities

• Raise money for homeless or sick animals and donate it to a local cause
• Help local animal shelters obtain items on their wish lists
• Hold a fundraiser such as a walkathon or marathon, bowling event, or reading circle and donate the proceeds to a local shelter
• Put out feeders and water for the local avian community

School Ideas

• Start a SWAT team, standing for Student Who Assist Teachers.
• Have children collect loose change around their homes, donating the collections to a charity of their choosing

Other Ideas

• Visit the Pencil Project Website and collect pencils for needy children
• Collect used items still in good condition such as athletic shoes, sweaters, scarves, mittens, and other items for those in need
• Visit the Adopt A Platoon website and collect items for servicemen
• Participate in the 20 grains of rice activity through the World Food Hunger Program
• Participate in Earth Day activities

As you can see, there are many great ideas for community service projects. This list is only a short example of ideas that you can use to promote a sense of community and inspire your children.