“Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” – Matthew 25:40 Our call to serve others is a “24/7” duty. In fact, you will always find individuals or organizations in need of help. So we should not abandon our call to be leaders through our service and good works. Take some time this summer by offering your time and talents to a service project. There are many service opportunities for individuals or groups, teens or young adults. Here are a few ideas to consider adding to your summer schedule:
DAY AT THE PARK: Each one of our cities has a beautiful park or playground that could use some “sprucing up” every once in a while. Contact the Parks and Recreation department of your city or state. See if there are any volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups to help clean or plant flowers for the parks in the area. Many cities offer volunteer/community service positions to keep public parks and areas beautiful.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps build homes for low-income families here and around the world. In fact, IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) is partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild parts of the Gulf Coast that are still in disrepair due to past hurricanes. Habitat for Humanity offers ways that teens and young adults can get involved. Whether you build or not, there is always something that can be done! Visit www.habitat.org for more information.
FEED THE HUNGRY: Unfortunately, hunger does not take a vacation during the summer months. According to the Feeding America website (www.feedingamerica.org), they annually provide food for 37 million Americans which includes 14 million children. Individuals or youth groups can plan summer volunteer days at the local soup kitchen or food bank. Youth groups can also gather to cook meals and deliver them to those who are ill or elderly and unable to cook for themselves.
GIVE BLOOD-SAVE A LIFE: According to the Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to three lives and every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. Individuals and families can visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn about donating blood and where to go. Also, youth groups can help out the community by hosting a blood drive at church or another location.
This submission can be found in the June 2011 edition of the "Challenge" - the monthly resource from the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Orthodox Observer.
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