Here is a list of 10 projects we are championing this GivingTuesday. All can be done safely while practicing social distancing.
#HeartsForHeroes: Utilize fabric with hearts to make masks for first responders and stuffed hearts for their children. We are asking ambassadors who are crafty to raise their hands and adopt a local hospital, grocery store, fire department, police station, or post office. All of the people who are working within these fields (and more) are on the front lines and are our first responders. You do NOT have to be a master sewer to do this! There are many ways to make no-sew masks and hearts -- hot glue can be your friend!
Video Messages of Hope: Many nursing homes and veterans homes are in complete lock down. Isolation can have a detrimental effect on mental health, especially for this population. An Oregon VA home gave us the idea for this after soliciting for encouraging videos to be displayed on the closed circuit televisions in the veterans room. Contact your local nursing and veterans homes and see if you can start this project in your hometown!
You’ve been chalked: Serve your neighborhood kids! Leave a bag of chalk on doorsteps with a sweet note encouraging the writing of inspiring messages. Soon neighborhood walks will lift the spirits of everyone!
Virtual Pen Pal: There are multiple sites that offer virtual pen pal abilities so you can safely engage in inspiring and encouraging conversations with others. This project is particularly aimed at children. Our children have gone from continuous socialization and interaction to quarantine. If you click here, it will bring you to many different FREE options for kids.
Neighborhood Clean Up: Work with your community to find areas that need to be cleaned of litter. Grab some garbage bags, gloves and a mask -- then go to work! You are not only making your parks and neighborhoods more enjoyable, but you are practicing kindness to the environment too!
Blessing Bags for the Homeless: Work with your community leaders to gather needed items to make blessing bags. Often this includes things like gloves, hats, underwear, socks, toiletries and shelf stable food.
Free Library: Work with your community to install free little libraries for children. This can be a fun family and neighborhood project!
Adopt a Nursing Home: Around 80% of residents of most nursing homes never have a visitor. With the pandemic creating isolation, we need to check on our elderly now more than ever. Call your local nursing home and see if they have any needs you can fill. Round up your kid's school or the neighborhood to make cards and treats for the residents.
Organize a Blood Drive: This is one of the greatest acts of kindness! Blood is so vital and life-saving! Contact your local American Red Cross and schedule a blood drive for GivingTuesday!
Sponsor Local Foster Children: Many foster children have hardly anything and some come to their newest foster homes with their items in garbage bags. Do a drive for your local foster kids! Collect NEW warm clothing, backpacks, school supplies and toys. Call your local state office to see what the needs are.
