Christmas Service Opportunities for Children

Christmas Service Opportunities

 

Here are some ideas about ways to get children involved in serving and get the focus off Santa and personal presents.  I’d love to hear your ideas as well.  Feel free to share your own great ideas in the comments. 

 

Happy Birthday Jesus party

For the past several years, we have hosted a Happy Birthday Jesus party.  My girls love birthday parties and a birthday party for Jesus really helped drive home the idea that we were celebrating Jesus’s birthday.  It also gave us a chance to get the focus off of presents and onto Jesus. 

What we did at the party:

1.     Reenacted the Christmas story - Dressed up in colored sheets, tied tinsel around our heads for halos, carried a plastic bowl filled with rose pedals and whatever else we could think of to do that would allow our little ones to reenact the story of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, and wise men.  Sometimes we had 15 angels and no shepherds, and we always had to do it several times to let more people be Mary.  We just had fun with it.  Someone read the story from Luke and the kids just listened and came in when the Bible talked about whoever they were dressed up as.  Sometimes we’d sing a Christmas song if the kids knew one. 

2.       Lit candles on a birthday cake and sang happy birthday to Jesus.  I bought some tiny manger scene ornaments at the dollar store one year and cut the string off them.  We would put those on the cake or cupcakes.  All the guests brought food as well, so we had a little snack time to celebrate.

3.       Made Christmas cards for a local nursing home.  These usually consisted of an ornament shaped or tree shaped piece of foam that they put Christmas stickers on.  I printed little labels that said Merry Christmas and they stuck those on as well.  The next day or later in the week, anyone who wanted to join us could meet us at the nursing home and pass them out.  We called ahead and scheduled with the nursing home to get the best time to show up. 

We always had a great time and had a little moment to truly celebrate Jesus and serve others.  Our kids were all pretty small so the activities were geared for ages 2-5.  I am sure this same kind of party would be fun for all ages if you just altered the activities a little. 

It appears we won't be able to host a party this year, but we hope to get to attend or help plan one somewhere else. 

 

Giving Tree –

This outreach is sponsored by KSJB.  They have a link on their page that you can browse to find a family with needs you can meet.  You can click on a drop-off location close to you.  Then browse the families and pick which family and which need to fill.  It could be fun to pick children that are similar ages as your own.  Then let them help pick out gifts for them.  Go to the drop off together to bring the presents. 

http://www.ksbj.org/GivingTree-2013

Angel Tree –

This program is similar to the giving tree, but you usually find a church or business that has a tree set up.  On the tree will be strips of paper that tell of a need.  You get the paper, fill the need, and return the gift to the tree location.  These trees are usually for children whose parents are in jail, families in need, elderly people or special needs adults.  I was not able to find specific links to locations of trees this year.  Let us know if you know of any. 

Christmas Carol –

 

Like Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”  Why not learn some great carols and take a group of kids caroling.  Some ideas of where to do this would include a hospital, children’s hospital, nursing home, assisted living center, and convalescent center. Be sure to call and schedule before you go. Most places have an activities director that would be glad to get some outside help.

Shepherd’s Pouch –

My children came home from church with a Shepherd’s pouch.  The idea was new to me.  The insert gave instructions.  It said to remind children that Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday.  We usually give gifts to people on their birthday, but how do you give an invisible Jesus a gift? Mathew 25:40 – “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” We give to Jesus by serving others. 

Get a stash of dollars or change ready.  Every time you see your child serving someone, put some money in the pouch.  (As a homeschool mom, I’d like to interject that this could be great practice counting money.) On Dec. 24, count all the money and give the money to God. 

Their suggestions for places to give the money were:

·         Church offering on Christmas Eve

·         Heifer International

·         Living Water International

·         Church Benevolence Offering

·         Lottie Moon offering for international Missions

·         School for the Zabaleen in Egypt

This idea came from The Children’s and Preschool Ministry at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, TX. http://www.kingsland.org/

 

Hand out Christmas cards –

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged.  Someone walking into your space and telling you Merry Christmas can be very uplifting.  A child handing you a card and saying Merry Christmas can brighten your day.  Great places to hand out cards would be church staff during the week, convalescent centers, pregnancy centers, any non-profit service type organization, schools, to people who are too sick or old to leave their home, neighbors, and really just about anywhere.  Think about people who are serving others and take a moment to serve them back with a smile, a little card, and a kind word.  You may also be able to hand out cookies or candy or small gifts.  Ask first before you go.  Many places have people with varying health issues and possibly a lack of teeth.  It will be best to consider those things when deciding what to bring. 

Gift wrapping  –

Krause Children’s Center is a center helping children from age 12 -18.  They posted on their webpage that they can use gift wrappers to come help wrap the presents donated to the center.  http://www.krausechildrenscenter.org/volunteer-2/ 

Decorating –

We may have missed it for this year.  It appears places were decorated for Christmas long before Thanksgiving, but there may still be a chance to help.  Churches, nonprofits, and elderly people may need a little extra help to decorate.  Contact your church and find out when they are decorating or call someone you know who may need assistance with their decorations.  This could include elderly people, new moms, single moms, families that husbands are deployed with the military and many others. 

 

Christmas Blessing bags–

I posted in March about making blessing bags to hand out to people experiencing homelessness that you encounter as you drive around town.  http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/03/loving-others-project-1-goodie-bags-for.html  Why not add some Christmas cards for the Christmas season?

 

Gift Donations –

Let your child pick out a special gift to buy and donate to a child in need.  Or have them look through their own unopened presents after Christmas and decide if there are any they would like to donate to bless someone else.  There is a Texas Children’s Hospital branch here in Katy that will accept new unopened gifts to bless their patients with.   Gifts intended for Christmas should be taken by the second week of December.  Here is the volunteer page with contact information and additional information.  Be sure to look at for instructions if you are intending to write cards.  There is also a list of good gifts by age group.  https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/document.doc?id=352 They must be gifts that can be enjoyed by children in their rooms unsupervised. 

https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/page.aspx?pid=1731

Ideas for Texas Children’s Hospital –

There are some great ideas listed on the Texas Children’s Hospital webpage.  I copied them from https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/document.doc?id=352 for you to be able to scan quickly. 

“New Non Toy Items

 Care kits including: travel size toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, disposable razors/shaving cream, comb/hairbrush, and lotion.   

New clothing such as plain colored pajama pants, elastic waist shorts, t-shirts, socks, slippers, underwear and onesies. Accidents happen. 

 Fun colored blankets and pillows to brighten patient rooms.   We cannot accept flowers, balloons or edible items of any sort. 

Activities and Handmade Items

 Craft Packets that include pre-made craft supplies that patients can work on in their rooms unsupervised. Examples include door hangers, nametags, or small crafts. Place all items in a ziplock bag with simple instructions a child can follow.   

Activity Books that contain a few coloring pages, word finds or crosswords. Make packets with 5 pages, hole punch one corner and connect with a ribbon for a customized, possibly seasonally inspired, activity packet.  

Food Tray Mats on 8 1/2 x 11" bond paper of any color. No markers, buttons, ribbon or glitter may be used. Crayons may be used. Lamination is acceptable, but not necessary. The patients prefer something interactive such as a crossword puzzle, dot-to-dot or trivia games. We prefer a large number of these at once (100+).  

Decorated pillowcases to brighten hospital rooms- tie-dye, fabric paint, or sewn from fun child friendly fabrics.   Homemade blankets and quilts.

Hand sewn items such as teddy bears, gingerbread men, and a number of items that may assist with long term patient care. For advanced sewing projects please contact Volunteer Services for more information. “

 Military Care Packages -

There is still a few days left to send a care package to Afghanistan.  http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/11/make-care-packages-for-military-now-dec.html

 

 

What ideas do you have?

Please share in the comments.

Thanksgiving cards for church staff or Advent activity of appreciation

       We passed out Thanksgiving cards to the staff at out new church.  We have done it so many holidays for so many years, that it just seems normal.  However at the new church, they were surprised.  They were very kind and grateful.  One pastor wrote about it in his blog and another took time to write an email to me later thanking us for stopping by.  Although I was a little embarrassed at all the attention, I was excited to know that it really does matter to people when you take time to thank them for what they do.  Plus my kids were thrilled to be "on the internet" in the blog. (I was on TV during an interview at the fire station as we made ribbons for the fallen firefighters in Houston earlier this year.  Now we are even to my five-year-old, because she's on the internet and I was on tv. She makes me laugh.)
     It may be a little late to get Thanksgiving cards out this year, but it is not too late for Christmas or New Years cards.  This would be a great project for one day in December as part of an advent activity schedule or just an activity to help prepare your hearts to look outward instead of inward during Christmas.  A simple card of appreciation can mean so much to someone, especially in the hustle and stress of the holiday season.  Have fun.

Make a care packages for military. Now - Dec. 4 - Katy Drop-off

Help Support our Troops Now through December 4thLacey Oak Boutique will be sending Care Packages to our troops overseas for this Holiday Season! Drop Off at: Lacey Oak Boutique 5708 3rd Street Katy, TX 77493 (281) 574-0888     Drop Off Hours: Tuesday - Saturday   10:00AM - 6:00PM This Holiday Season Lacey Oak Boutique will be carrying the season's spirit overseas to support our deployed troops in Afghanistan.  What better way to show your love and appreciation than to send our soldiers a little piece of "Home" and a Christmas Card, letting them know we are thinking of them & how much we appreciate all they do. Thank you all for your help! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families too! Here are a few ideas of what our soldiers would love to receive... Special Requests: Coffee - Soft Sealed Bags ( No Large Cans Please) Disposable Hand / Foot WarmersFood, Snacks and Drinks: (***Please no expired or canned food***) Candy: Small Individual Packs (No chocolate please) Snack Bars: Protein bars, granola bars, power bars, cereal bars, cliff bars and etc. Powder drink mix: Gatorade, Kool-aid, Crystal Light Tuna & Chicken Salad: In foil pouches or ready-to-eat kits (No cans please) Beef Jerky / Slim Jims Sunflower Seeds / Pumpkin Seeds Cheese & Crackers / Peanut Butter & Crackers Cookies: Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Fig Newtons (small packs) Trail Mix / Dried Fruit / Granola / Fruit Roll Ups / Fruit Gummies Toiletries: (***Please no hotel samples, they will not accept them)  Lip Balm / Chap Stick / Carmex / Blistex Body Wash & Facial Cleanser Combs / Brushes  Hair Gel (For females to pull hair back) Deodorant (Trail Size) Shaving Cream in Tubes / Shaving Soap (*No cans of shaving cream)  Hand & Body Lotion (Travel Size) Sunblock SPF 45 / Vitamin E / Aloe Vera Gel Bug Spray / DEET / Skin-So-Soft Mouthwash (Travel Size) Breath Mints / Breath Strips Lozenges / Cough Drops Loufa Sponges / Buff Puffs Nail Files / Emery Boards / Nail Clippers Feminine Hygiene Products Shoe Insole Cushions (Gel kind is best) Tylenol / Motrin / Advil / Aspirin Packages Eye Drops / Nasal Spray Vitamins (These are always needed, please check expiration dates)Entertainment: iTunes Gift Cards (Top requested) DVD Movies: new or used - recent releases please Xbox Games, PSP, PS2 & PS3 Games (new or used) Computer Flash Drives & Camera Memory Cards Handheld MP3 players & head phones Electronic Handheld Games Small Handmade Gifts: reminders & comforts of "home" Day Planners / Small Pocket Calendars Game Books: Crossword Puzzles, Word Search Books, Sudoku, Etc. Board Games (Travel size is best for shipping) Magazines: all kinds but recent editions keep them up to date of whats going on at homeOther Items: T-Shirts: Cotton, green & tan color undershirts ( Sizes: M, L, & XL) Socks: Black, Olive Green, White (Cotton or wool) Small Christmas / Holiday Decorations Blank Christmas / Holiday Cards: to write family and friends back home

It's not too late for Operation Christmas Child/ How to plan a packing party

Operation Christmas Child. 

It's not too late to pack a box.  If you want to deliver your box to Lifeway, tomorrow is the day.  If you are going to bring it to another drop-off or mail it in, you have time. 

We planned a party with a few moms and their kids from the homeschool group.  It was easy and fun.   Here is a quick how to organize a party if you want to get one together. 

 

We combined it with a Thanksgiving feast, so each family brought food as well.  If you did not want to bring the food, just leave it off the email.

1.  Send out an email and see if anyone is interested in coming.  Include the location date and time so they can check their schedules.  Have them respond by a certain date with the number of kids they have that will be packing a shoebox.  If you are doing it now, I'd send it today and have them respond by Monday.)

2. Send another email.  When Tuesday comes, send out an email to all the participating families.  It needs to include:

The number of children attending

The gender and age group for the boxes

A sign up for items to bring

Link to the list of suggested items

Location, date, and time of party

Plans for getting shoeboxes

Plans for paying for shipping/getting labels

Plans for wrapping boxes

Plans for writing letters to the recipients of the boxes(optional)

Plans for who will deliver boxes

 

We had 12 kids coming and decided to pack all boxes for girls age 5-9.  Most of our kids were girls, and we thought an older child might write us back after they get the shoebox.  There are so many ways you could decide to do things, but here is an idea to get you started. 

Here is a sample of the email. 

"Dear Friend,
Thanks for wanting to participate.  We have twelve kids coming to pack boxes.  We will be buying items for a girl 5-9 years-old.  You will need to decide what item you want to purchase and bring 12 of that item.  If you have two children packing shoeboxes, you will need to decide on 2 things you will bring and bring 12 of each.  For example, we will pack 2 boxes so we will bring 12 jump ropes and 12 balls. 

Here is the link to the suggested items to purchase.  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Shoebox Items -
Family 1- jump rope and ball
Family 2-
Family 3 - ( I would write the last name instead of family 1)
Family 4 -
Family 5-

Snack Item -
Family 1- drinks
Family 2-
Family 3 -
Family 4 -
Family 5-

To reply, just copy the two lists.  Push REPLY ALL and paste the list in the body of the email.  Update what you are bringing.  Make sure you reply all so everyone knows. 

Please bring a shoebox for each child packing a box.  (I actually bought little Tupperware boxes from the dollar store for each child to pack and provided them at the party.  Or one person could go to a shoe store and get boxes for the whole party.  Whatever works best for your group.)

I will bring wrapping paper, tape and rubber bands to decorate and close  the boxes.

Bring a check for $7 per box for shipping or go online before the party and pay.  Then you can print a label with a tracking number for your box.  That way you and your child can see where the box goes. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box-iframe/  Either way, make sure you print a label for each box you are sending and bring it to the party.   

We are going to write a letter and include a family picture in each of our 2 boxes.  If you would like to do this, please have your letters ready before the party. 

After the party, Family 2 will deliver the boxes to the drop-off location on Date and Time.

We will meet at Location on Day at Time

See you there,
Me"

3.  Show up for the party with all your stuff.
My family actually missed the party due to sickness, but we brought our stuff by and the other families assembled the boxes for us.  It appeared to be great fun.

Creative ways to help your children think about and act on thankfulness.

Creative ways to help your children think about and act on thankfulness. 

Give thanks in all circumstances;

 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thess 5:18

1. Thankful Cards/Activities
Here is a cute activity I found on the internet. It has little cards you can print out.  Each card has something to be  thankful for & an action to do as a result of being thankful. There is a verse with each card too. It could be fun to do some of them between now and Thanksgiving.  Thank you Hubbards Cupboard for the great resource. 


http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/Thanksgiving_Countdown_Activity_Cards-_activities_without_numerals.pdf

2. Thankful Turkeys
My girls and I made Thanksgiving turkeys for grandparents.  We brainstormed reasons why we were thankful for each person.  Each household gets a turkey.  We wrote on one feather who we were thankful for and on the other feathers, they wrote (or will write) the reasons they are thankful.  It is still not complete because we have been sick this week, but here is a picture so you can get an idea.  (The sticky notes are what the girls said.  I wrote the words for each feather so they could know what to write.  We use this for our copy work/handwriting in school.)

 

3.  Thankful books
Each morning as we start our day, the girls add one thing to their thankful book that they are thankful for.  They write it and illustrate it.  I made the book and would be happy to share the word document, but I don't have a way to upload it here.  (Or at least I don't see one.)  If you would like to have the document to print a book, comment on the link and I will email you the document.  (As long as I can figure out how!)

 

 

4. Good books

 We are reading Little House In the Big Woods by Laura Ingles Wilder.  It is amazing to hear that the children got only a pair of mittens and a candy cane for Christmas.  My children have been made aware that not all people live in homes with many toys.  It has brought on some interesting discussions about what we have, and how we can bless others.  In preparation for Thanksgiving, we have also read Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life or a Pilgrim Girl, Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy, Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times all written by Kate Waters.  It has helped my children gain a little perspective on other types of lifestyles out there and how many luxuries we take for granted. 

Outreach for November - Operation Christmas Child


Samaritan's Purse is an organization that helps children around the world. 
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Each Christmas they offer an opportunity to pack a small shoebox with items to be delivered to children around the world.  These items arrive around Christmas and bring excitement as well as the good news of Jesus. The gospel is included in each box written in the child's own language. 

How to Pack A Box
For how to pack a shoebox and suggested items follow this link.  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Drop off of Box
You must pack your boxes and bring them to a drop off location during the week of November 18-25.  Call 1-800-353-5949 of look up http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/#map_top for drop off locations near you.  Boxes can also be mailed to Samaritan's Purse. 

In Katy there are not any close drop-off stations, but Lifeway is offering to be a drop-off station for one day. On November 16, you can even fill your boxes at Lifeway or just drop off the ones you already made. Look here for more details    http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Samaritans-Purse-Operation-Christmas-Child-Shoe-Box-Collection-Day  There is a Lifeway at the northwest corner of Fry and I-10 for anyone close to that area. 

October Outreach

 
Halloween quickly approaches and it is a great night to reach out to others.  This is the only night a year that lots of strangers come to your door.  You don't have to go to them; they come to you.  So I believe you should use it! Some great things to do on Halloween

1. Put some lawn chairs in your front yard.  Sit there and enjoy the evening.  Hand out candy, small toys, goldfish crackers or whatever you want to people that come by.  Meet your neighbors.  Be friendly.  This is  a great way to make new friends.

2.  Put some lawn chairs in your front yard.  Sit there and enjoy the evening.  Hand out fun stuff to people that come by.  We usually dress up and let our kids dress up too.  We also hand out a card telling about what it means to be a Christian or an invitation to join the children's department at a local church.  Other years we printed little labels with the local Christian radio station on them and attached them to the candy.  Make sure you give out good stuff though. We get to have fun and share a little about what we believe with our neighbors.

3.If you want to go a little bigger, Add some activities.  This may be considered a block party.  Provide hotdogs, drinks, chips and a few little games on your driveway or in your front yard.  Invites some friends over to help.  You can still hand out your cards telling about what it means to be a Christian.  Be friendly.  Enjoy the neighbors and the opportunity. 

Loving Others Projects 1-10 overview

I am constantly on the look out for ideas to serve others, but beyond that I want my kids to serve with me.  I want to help my children learn to think outside themselves.  I have talked to many moms who think the same way.  Honestly it can be difficult to find avenues to serve that easily incorporate small children.  So I made a list of local service opportunities.  The service opportunities list places to serve, what types of services are available, and if there are opportunities for children to serve along side.  Here are the first 10.  I have more ideas to come. 


Project 1 - Goodie Bags for People Experiencing Homelessness
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/03/loving-others-project-1-goodie-bags-for.html

Project 2 - Donating Your Stuff
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-2-donations.html
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-2-donations_6.html

Project 2.5 - Donations in Reverse - Thrift Stores
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-25-donations-in.html

Project 3 - Gracewood - Help Single Moms and Families In Crisis
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/gracewood.html

Project 4 - Pregnancy Help Center (Great opportunity.  Not for children)
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-otheres-project-4-pregnancy-help.html

Project 5- Stuffed Animals For Emergencies
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-5-stuffed-animals.html

Project 6 - Adoption
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-6-adoption.html

Project 7 - Helping Orphans Without Adopting
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/05/loving-others-project-7-ways-to-help.html

Project 8 - Honor a Veteran
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/05/loving-others-project-8-honor-vetrans.html

Project 9 - Convalescent Centers, Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/05/loving-others-project-9-convalescent.html

Project 10 - Use your Birthday Parties 
http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/05/loving-others-project-9-convalescent.html

Loving Others - Project 10 - Use Your Birthday Parties

At ballet this week a mom told me about a great idea her family does. 

-After her daughter's last birthday party, they sat down and her five-year-old picked out presents to give away.  Texas Children's Hospital only receives toys that are new and unopened.  This was a great way to offer brand new toys to children.  They dropped them off together. 

It inspired me to think about ways to incorporate giving into birthday parties.   

-Another friend has her children give away one old toy for every new toy they receive.  They give the older toy to the church, a relief organization or whatever seems appropriate.  See the donations blogs for some ideas.  http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-2-donations.html and http://houstontimeframes.blogspot.com/2013/04/loving-others-project-2-donations_6.html

-Instead of a gift, people could give a donation in honor of the child.  Perhaps the child could pick an organization they want to support and announce it on the party invitation.   Then instead of buying a the birthday child a gift, the person could donate to that organization.  I noticed an "in honor of" section when donating to https://showhope.org/give-hope/donate/, but I am sure this could work with many organizations. 

-Maybe instead of having their own birthday, they could bring a snack to Star of Hope for the Snacks and Goodnight time and celebrate their birthday with everyone there! http://www.sohmission.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=272 

What are some other ideas here?  I'd like to hear from you. 

Loving Others - Project 9 - Convalescent Centers and Nursing Homes

Convalescent center, nursing home, assisted living – Most holidays we make cards.  These are usually paper with some type of sticker or something attached.  I print a little paper that says, Happy Whatever” and my children use way too much glue to glue them on.  These are not fancy cards.  Then we call a local assisted living/nursing home type place and ask when would be a good time to come hand them out to the residents.  They tell me about how many cards to bring and a time and day to come  when there will be residents out and available to receive the cards.  Then I bring my cute little children and hand them out. 

On the drive there we discuss proper etiquette.  If they speak to you, please answer.  We practice answering normal questions.  What’s your name?  How old are you? Are you twins? Did you make this yourself?  Then we practice responses.  What do you say when someone says thank you?  What do you say when someone says they like your dress?   Then we practice saying “Happy Whatever.”

I walk around with them helping them remember their manners but requiring that they interact with the residents.  Then about 15 minutes later we leave. 

Make it a project by inviting other families over to make the cards one day and then inviting them to come to the nursing home to hand them out with you as well.  We often have “Happy Birthday Jesus” parties around Christmas and make cards.  Sometimes we have a valentines card making party.  This way kids feel like their efforts matter. 

 

When you get in the car, talk about the great things they did like answering politely and being king.  Then talk about how we were sharing Jesus with those people by loving them.  Share that they were a happy moment in someone’s day and that is a worthy thing. 

Loving Others - Project 8 - Honor Vetrans

Memorial Day is upon us and I just had an idea. 

There is a large VA hospital right here in Houston.  Why not make a bunch of cards with your kids and go hand them out at the VA hospital on Memorial Day or Veteran's Day (Nov 11) or any day that you feel like honoring those who protect our freedoms?

Loving Others - Project 7 - Ways to Help Orphans Other Than Adoption

Orphans- Ways to help them other than adoption:

There are children that need an advocate.  For one reason or another they are left without loving parents to fight for them.  There are many ways that they can be helped.  One way includes adoption, but there are so many other things that can be done on their behalf.  I posted about adoption a while back and some people wanted to help, but just did not feel called or able to adopt.  Here are some other avenues to consider.  There are things here your whole family (including little children) can be involved in. 

1.        Pray – I have a little paper that says “adoption” taped above my washer.  I see it regularly and am prompted to pray for children awaiting adoption or even in the foster care system who are not in line for adoption at this point. Another idea would be to find a specific person online that needs adoption.  Print out their picture or make it a background on a smart phone or computer screen.  Pray for them every day.  Also, organize prayer groups to pray for orphans.  Pray for your heart too that God gives you a passion and avenue to stand for these orphans.  Pray for families in the process of adopting.  It’s often long, frustrating, and time-consuming. 

2.       Give to an organization - Give money to a foster care/ orphan organization. You can look at the list of local Houston adoption agencies bellow for ideas.  Other places to contribute that are not local may include Show Hope https://showhope.org/give-hope/donate/ and Texas Baptist Children’s Home https://www.childrenatheartministries.org/TBCH-Give-Online. TBCH has a wish list page if you wanted to purchase something specifically that they need.  Compassion International  http://www.compassion.com/

3.       Give to a family you know - Help a family you know cover the cost of adoption.   

4.       Serve - Help families that foster children or have adopted.  Offer a meal when a new child arrives. Bring some board games and play games at a foster home one evening a month.  Watch the children for free one evening so the parents can have a date night together.  Throw a shower for families getting new children even if the children are older.  Become a mentor for a child in foster care. 

5.       Foster – Become a foster parent or an emergency foster parent

6.       Start an orphan ministry in your church - HopeforOrphans.org has an 8 step program to help you  launch a program at your church.   http://www.hopefororphans.org/Display.asp?Page=launchministry

7.       Go on a mission trip - Buckner international sends people all over the world to bring shoes and socks to orphans. You could go on a mission trip or start a drive to collect supplies. http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/index.shtml http://hopefororphans.org/Display.asp?Page=getinvolved1

8.        Organize a drive to collect items - Orphan Outreach provides backpacks and school supplies to orphans.  http://www.missionbackpack.org/

9.       Share the cause with others - Bethany Christian Services offers a free email that tells of children who need a family.  They suggest posting this email in Sunday School classes. You could also utilize social media to share these stories.  Make you’re your prayer requests at Bible study.  I knew of someone once who carried a picture of an orphan in her purse.  She did not adopt him, but asked many others if God was calling them to.  Sure enough, one person she asked later became that child’s mommy. (I wish I could remember where I heard that story so I could give them credit.)  http://www.bethany.org/main/champions-children

10.   Be their voice - Become a CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates – According to the webpage,  “Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.” You have to participate in 30 hours of training and be willing to stay with the case until it is over (about a year and a half) http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301309/k.9D58/Volunteering.htm

There are other options to help this organization that are less intensive.  They range from hanging CASA posters to helping with the webpage to organizing events.  http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5307647/k.5D85/Other_Volunteer_Opportunities.htm

 

 

Adoption agencies in Houston (not an exhaustive list)

Arrow – www.arrow.org

Buckner – www.beafamily.org

Homes4Good – http://homes4good.org

Safe Haven – www.safehavencommunityservices.org

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – www.dfps.state.tx.us

Spauldin for Children – www.spauldingforchildren.org

Gladney Center for Adoption – www.adoptionsbygladney.com (services all of Texas based in Fort Worth)

 

Want more info on adoption? Sept 13-14 there will be conference at Houston’s First Baptist Church See www.showhope.org/connect for more information. Early Bird registration is available through July 12 and offers a discounted rate.   

 

Loving Others - Project 6 - Adoption

I almost didn't think to post this, but it definitely fits under the Loving Others Project. 

There are children out there than need mommies and daddies. That alone makes me cry.  Some of you may be being called by God to become that mommy or daddy.  Others may need to help make that adoption happen.  There are needs for not only adopting parents, but also financial support, and spreading the word.  Even if you can't take a child into your home, you could still help the cause. 

This weekend at First Baptist Houston on The Loop campus (I-10 and 610 on the West Side) Focus on the Family is doing a free event called Wait No More.  It is from 10-2 and a great place to get information about adoption.  I looked at the registration and it says you only have to register adults.  To me that means, kids can come with you. 

Go here for more information: 
General - http://icareaboutorphans.org/

Houston event - http://icareaboutorphans.org/whatwedo/waitnomore/texas-houston/

Loving Others - Project 5 - Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)

I have been looking for information on donating stuffed animals to police officers, firefighters and emergency responders. That is one thing we have, receive often, and my kids would be excited to give to a child who was sad. 

Most of the information I see is seasonal.  There are drives around Christmas in several areas. 

I also read an article about a girl scout unit that donated stuffed animals to HPD.  http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2012/may/nr051712-2.htm  The article said for more information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.  I don't know if they would be able to help you with any ideas on how to donate some items to them. 

I have friends who are firefighters, police, and Texas Marshalls.  I'll try to find some more information.

So far there is one organization that advertises a drop-off for stuffed animals through out the year. 

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)
http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/Home.php

The only drop-off in Texas is sponsored by Feed the Children

FTC Texas
4701 Blalock Road
Houston, Texas  77041
713-331-1034

"Feed the Children delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty, or natural disasters.  In particular we are working with FTC on their truck sponsorship program here in the United States.  When truckloads of items have been sponsored by a group or an organization they have agreed to allow out stuffed animals to go with these trucks to be delivered as well with the other items to these families in need.
If you are interested in donating your stuffed animals to FTC ALL DONATIONS MUST BE CLEANED UP FIRST as these donations are not going through one of our chapter members.  
NOTE:  If you are donating directly to FTC they require that you TAKE A DONOR FORM WITH YOU WHEN YOU DONATE so they can keep track of exactly how much we are donating."
Information on the truck sponsorships, cleaning instructions, and the form to download can all be found at http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/Chapters.html You have to scroll down close to the bottom to get the only Texas one.  It's labeled Feed the Children.



Here is the letter they have on the webpage that explains how to clean your own animals and prepare them for drop-off. :

 

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies

 

SAFE Guide to Cleaning Stuffed Animals

 

Hello!

Thank you so much for wanting to donate your new and gently used stuffed animals! 

 If you are reading this guide, most likely there was not a SAFE chapter in your area and you are looking to donate your stuffed animals to an organization closer to you.  This guide is here to explain how I normally clean the stuffed animals I receive before giving them out to any organization.  Hopefully, this will help guide you in cleaning up your stuffed animals before distribution. 

Let me first say, it is very important for health reasons to clean up any gently used stuffed animals before giving them to children.  Just think of it as if these stuffed animals were going to your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. - you would want them as clean as possible.  This may take a little more time than just packing them up in boxes but they are going to children who could really use them so they need to be in the best shape possible.

First of all, these are some items I use to clean up stuffed animals so you may wish to have these on hand before you get started:

Washcloth, soap, small comb or brush, scissors, lint brush and a bottle of Febreze.  If you want to, ribbons (polyester and nylon ribbons work the best) and a needle and thread can come in handy if you find a really nice stuffed animal that needs some minor repairs.

So let's get started….

1. Basically when I receive any stuffed animals I go through them first and distinguish what I will keep and what isn't suitable to give to a child.  Just use your judgment in terms of the shape the stuffed animal is in and if there are any tears, stains, or smells.  Make your decision about the stuffed animals based on what you think would be suitable to give to one of your own kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.  Would it scare a child?  Does is not look comforting? If you have some that are not suitable for children in traumatic situations, you can always contact your local thrift store or even your local animal shelter.  One thing I would mention though, don't donate any stuffed animals with beans in them like Beanie Babies to the animal shelter - wouldn't want the employees to have to pick up all those beans if a dog tears it to shreds!

2.     Next if you could count how many stuffed animals you are going to donate (and to what places) and e-mail me (my e-mail address is at the bottom of the checklist) I would really appreciate it.  We keep a running tally of how many stuffed animals are donated to SAFE or are donated through SAFE's contacts or drives.

3.     Deciding the condition of the stuffed animal - First, any stuffed animal that is in excellent condition (i.e. doesn't have any stains, tears, spots, smells) was rarely played with and looks really nice, I usually just put these in the dryer for about 10 minutes on AIR DRY (don't ever put them on high heat because the temperature gets too hot and will melt the fur on some stuffed animals) just to get any dust off of them.  Please cut off any tags though before putting it in the dryer.  My only exception to tags is Beanie Babies, I usually keep those on so when I donate them people know they are actual Beanie Babies (and I clean these by hand usually unless it is really dirty).  Also I usually spray some Febreze over the whole pile.  If you have a stuffed animal like this that has some attachment to it though (like a box or a basket) don't worry about putting it in the dryer.  You can clean these by hand (just follow the directions in number 4 for hand washing).

4.     Next any other stuffed animals that are regular size, been used by children in the past and don't have any kind of attachment to it (like boxes, baskets, etc.) you can go ahead and wash these in the washing machine.  My only exception to this is if you have a stuffed animal with longer fur on it, you really shouldn't wash these as the fur is never the same after washing.  Just try to hand wash the animal by using a washcloth and soap or by brushing it and if it is unable to be cleaned that way, you can donate it to your local animal shelter or you will have to throw it away.  Make sure there are no tags on any of these stuffed animals before washing.  Again, my only exception to tags is Beanie Babies, I usually keep those on so when I donate them people know they are actual Beanie Babies (and I usually wash these by hand if they need it).  I will put these in the washing machine on a gentle cycle; some chapters even use a sensitive or baby-type laundry detergent so it is extra gentle.  Then I put them in the dryer on AIR DRY or LOW HEAT for a short period of time (10-15 minutes) and then I usually let them air dry the rest of the way (again don't ever put them on high heat because the temperature gets too hot and will melt the fur on some stuffed animals).  After that I freshen them up by using a lint brush if needed, a small brush to comb the fur with, cut any strings that need cut and then I just usually spray Febreze over all of them when I am done.  Some chapters use dryer sheets in the bag or box when donating to make them smell nice as well.

5.     If after washing the stuffed animals you have some with stains that wouldn't come out and you cannot see any other way of getting it clean, this would be a good stuffed animal to donate to the animal shelter or throw away. 

6.     If you find there are some stuffed animals that are in good condition but coming apart at the seam or need other repairs, you can chose to repair it or it will have to be thrown away (if you gave it to the animal shelter the animals would most likely tear it apart).

7.     If you have any large stuffed animals you will have to clean them up by hand of course.  Just follow the directions for hand washing in number 4.  Note:  Really large stuffed animals can be donated to libraries which work great in their children areas.

8.     Also, just wanted to mention that if you have a stuffed animal that has a ribbon around its neck that is frayed and falling apart, just go ahead and cut it off and if you have some polyester or nylon ribbon (they usually tie the best) just tie a new one with a bow around its neck, it really does a lot to freshen it up.

 

And that is it!  Just organize them in boxes or garbage bags depending on how many you have and take them to the organization that needs them.  Again, if you could please provide a count of how many you donated at the bottom and e-mail me we would appreciate it, we keep a running tally. 

If you have any questions at all, here is my contact information:

 

Jennifer Alloy

jenalloy15@gmail.com

11886 Monroe Road

Leesburg, OH  45135

937-708-0251

 

Total number of stuffed animals donated ________________.

Place(s) where stuffed animals are being donated:

_____________________________________________________.

 

Thank you again so much for what you are doing, it really does help so many children and please e-mail me pictures if you would like so we can post them on our 'Thank You Donors' page or Facebook!