Embedded Files
acts of service
acts of service
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you going to do for others?"
-Martin Luther King, Jr., American Academic and Activist
ACtivity
ACtivity
Letters of Gratitude - In BIG and small ways, Littles and their Bigs have amazing power to make their communities better through volunteerism and acts of service. There is so much we can give, even from home, to lift the spirits of others who are struggling and/or serving our communities. In this activity, you'll have an opportunity to spread joy to those who are currently serving on the front lines.
Bigs and Littles can work together to write and illustrate uplifting letters to our military, veterans, and first responders. Operation Gratitude sends care packages to our active duty military, veterans, first responders, and new recruits. Each package includes a bundle of letters from the American people, thanking them for their service to our country. Package recipients tell us these letters, notes, and drawings are the most cherished items in their box.
You will need paper and any writing/decorating materials you have on hand. Bigs, take the lead on drafting letters together (dictated by Little and written out by you) OR collecting any completed artwork from Little either via email (and print out) or snail mail. Instructions from Operation Gratitude are to please put all loose artwork and letters/cards in one larger envelope according to their recipient type, and mail to:
Operation Gratitude
ATTN: Letter Writing Program
9409 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Visit the Operation Gratitude website below for full instructions, and contact info@operationgratitude.com with any questions about the project.
Other from-home volunteer opportunities for BBBS matches:
Send Support to an Elder: Create and send happy messages for elders who are isolated in group care facilities
Color a Smile: Design and mail cheerful drawings for anyone in need of a smile
Meals on Wheels: Sew face masks at home to protect Meals on Wheels volunteers
to go deeper
to go deeper
How did you make a positive difference today? What did you like most about the activity?
Little and Big, if you enjoyed this activity, take some time to brainstorm other ways you can help your neighborhoods or communities during this time of social distancing and beyond!
A great resource for reflection after acts of service with youth can be found in an article called How to Get the Most from Service Activities provided by our partner organization, Doing Good Together.
Page updated
Report abuse