Crafting & Community
Despite the pandemic (or maybe because we have to be apart) there is an interest in helping others in our community. What can middle schoolers do? What type of volunteering is safe at this time? Is it possible to combine a hobby AND a way help the community at the same time? Read on!
Have you tried any of these?
Organize a food and toy drive for the local animal shelter.
Help stock the local food pantry.
Volunteer to help a younger neighbor with homework (over Zoom).
Make cards for the residents of a retirement home.
Bring used books to a little free library or to the public library donation area
Participate in a local clean-up day.
Participate in a virtual walk or run to support a cause by getting sponsors.
Collect children’s clothing for a local charity like Cradles to Crayons
Reach out to a local nursing home to see if they would like to receive some cards or letters.
Not all senior citizens have families to send them well wishes during these lonely times. An Ohio organization called Love for Our Elders accepts handmade cards and delivers them to nursing homes and elder care facilities around the world.
Get Crafting!
Make a Kindness Rock (or two or three)!
What you'll need:
Paint - Acrylic is recommended, but really any paint will work if you use a sealant.
Rocks - You can find rocks in nature, buy in bulk online, or purchase from a craft store. Small, smooth stones that are somewhat flat work best.
Brushes - Any paintbrush will do.
Permanent markers - These can be used to write inspirational sayings on the rock & create decorative drawings.
Sealant - Spray-on sealant is easy-to-use, but brush on will work as well. This helps to protect the rocks from the elements when placed outside.
Choose some words, images and sayings that will cheer up someone passing by.
Now choose a few spots to hide your kindness rocks. Imagine the surprise when someone unexpectedly finds what you've created! It will brighten their day!
Are you inspired to keep crafting?
Creativebug .mp4