It’s not too soon to start planning. Meaningful service enhances the joy of the holiday season for children… and adults. Everywhere you turn there are Giving Trees and other opportunities to do something that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

So why not get creative and look for new service ideas that could be incorporated into your curriculum throughout the year?

• Decorate resident’s doors at a local care center
• Set up a children’s book drive and donate to struggling readers
• Secretly shovel snow for people in the neighborhood
• Check with the local prison to see if you can make and deliver cookies

You already know that there are many intrinsic benefits to service and volunteering – especially as a family. According to the Points of Light Foundation, the advantages of volunteering as a family include: providing quality time for families to become closer; strengthening family communication; offering ways for family members to be role models; and creating giving opportunities that make significant contributions to the community.

While doing a little research of my own, I came across a book that I intend to buy this week. It’s called, Doing Good Together: 101 Easy Meaningful Service Projects for Families by Jenny Friedman Ph.D. and Jolene Roehilkepartain. An excerpt from the book says:

“Parents want their children to grow up to be caring, successful adults. Minneapolis-based Search Institute has conducted surveys on more than 3 million young people and identified 40 Developmental Assets that kids need in order to do well in life and avoid high-risk behaviors… Family service is a key strategy for building all of the 40 Developmental Assets.”

You may consider adopting one of these outstanding service project ideas for your children this year:

Blanket the World – make fleece blankets to donate to a domestic-abuse shelter, crisis center or children’s hospital

Placemats to Go – create uplifting holiday placemats for senior centers or Meals on Wheels recipients

Friendship Boxes – assemble shoeboxes with handwritten notes, inexpensive stickers, play dough, small books, puzzles, etc. Take the boxes to a homeless shelter or under-served children’s center

I am grateful for the opportunities that we create to teach children to serve others. It’s important. No, it’s more than important, it’s essential. Seven-year-old Kaylnn Dobos said it best, “When kids volunteer it tells others that they don’t have to be perfect or famous or even grown up to make a difference.”

What do you think about Kaylynn's comment? Share your favorite service idea or story.