Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Children's Service Projects - Random Acts of Kindness

Why Coloring is Comforting: Teaching Kids about Service
These items cost less than $25.00

During this rushed season of shopping frenzy, do you wonder if there is a way to feel more gratitude and peace? Doing service will bring you a feeling of contentment and enrichment. You will feel connected to others of similar spirits and understand the true meaning of Christmas.


For this service project, coloring books, word search, and drawing pads were purchased at the dollar store. I had already purchased crayons and notebooks when they were reduced to $.20 during the summer back-to-school shopping price. These items were donated to the Department of Human Services' Rainbow Room which gives them to children in transition, a counseling center, or a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

A quart jar holds around $100 or more
We have a coin jar and throw our extra change in it during the year. It holds around $100 to $150. We like to use this money to perform Random Acts of Kindness such as buying clothes, food, toys or a Christmas tree for someone who needs it. My grandson Sammy loves putting coins in the piggy bank which is good for fine motor skills and for the soul.

Young Children Can Be Taught to Save & Give
Coloring is soothing. It will give children something to do while they wait for services, or let them know that someone cares during times of stress and disruption.

This is part of A Season of Giving: 31 Days of Service Blog Hop. We'd love it if you'd take the time to look at the Mom It Forward.com free eBook on the link. Mom It Forward has made an entire calendar devoted to service projects. It has beautiful photos, ideas and quotes to inspire others to work together for the benefit of those who need a little extra help this year.

My wish for you is that you have a wonderful Merry Christmas and feel the joy that can be found in service.


"He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who
forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms
in this life and in eternity." ~ Gordon B. Hinkley 

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10 comments:

  1. You are one incredible lady Susan, can't wait for the day we get to meet in person ... I will be using our change jar from now for RAOK. What a great idea. As a child who spent one too many Christmases in the care of DHS, thank you very much. These coloring packs will mean the world to them.

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    1. Stacy - thank you so much. I am happy to be a small part of this service blog hop and LOVE the free ebook. So wonderful connecting with people around the world doing RAKS. I wish you a very Merry Christmas - to an amazing mom and kid blogger.

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  2. Susan I love your change jar idea!!! We are starting that at our house now too--thanks for the inspiration!!!!

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    1. Great Megan! Thank you for commenting and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season. Your blog is amazing!

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  3. I love this! What a great idea - both the change jar and the coloring books. I will definitely have to remember this for next Fall when things are on sale again. Also, I hope you will tweet and share for the No Kid Hungry Holiday Give A Thon on 12/20! http://bit.ly/NKHGive

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer. I'm on my way to share it now. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. Sounds like you are certainly on the right road.

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  4. Wonderful post, Susan! You are an inspiration to others.:)
    I love the idea of helping kids learn to be compassionate...compassionate people don't become bullies and don't kill others!
    The change jar is great...I've already got my empty jar set to go...and won't wait for the New Year to start putting in coins. This year I donated dozens of picture books to our local Community Partnership for Child Development's STAR (Sit Together and Read) program which is devoted to getting books into the hands of kids who have no books in their homes.

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    1. Vivian - you are an inspiration for service and kindness toward others. I love the STAR program and your amazing blog and hope you have a wonderful Merry Christmas!

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  5. What great ideas Susan! Thank you for sharing your great ideas to teach kids about service. I need to do more of this with my kids!

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    1. Sounds like you are doing a lot with your children - and your RAOK. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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