48 Ideas to Add Service To Your Meetings
Engage members with hands-on service projects designed to be simple, impactful, and completed together in under 30 minutes.
Gratitude Cards for Healthcare Workers
SUPPLIES
Blank cards, pens, stickers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Write thank-you notes to local healthcare workers expressing appreciation for their service.
2
Decorate cards with stickers or drawings to add a personal touch.
3
Deliver the collected cards to a nearby hospital, clinic, or nursing station.
Bookmarks for Libraries
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, markers, ribbon.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut cardstock into bookmark shapes.
2
Decorate with inspirational quotes or designs.
3
Donate to local libraries or schools.
Indoor Plant Potting
SUPPLIES
Small pots, soil, seeds, or small plants.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill pots with soil.
2
Plant seeds or transplant small plants.
3
Distribute to local nursing homes or community centers.
Assembling Hygiene Kits
SUPPLIES
Ziplock bags, travel-size hygiene items, notes of encouragement.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Gather hygiene items into each bag.
2
Include a handwritten note of encouragement.
3
Donate to a homeless shelter or outreach program.
Create Bird Feeders
SUPPLIES
Pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Spread peanut butter on pinecones.
2
Roll pinecones in birdseed.
3
Hang them in trees near the meeting place or donate to a local park.
Knitting for the Needy
SUPPLIES
Yarn, knitting needles, patterns.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Knit simple items like scarves or hats.
2
Complete as much as possible within the meeting.
3
Donate finished items to a local shelter or charity.
Assemble School Supply Kits
SUPPLIES
Pencils, erasers, notebooks, rulers, bags.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Pack each bag with a set of school supplies.
2
Write an encouraging note to include in each bag.
3
Donate to a local school or educational program.
Decorating Reusable Shopping Bags
SUPPLIES
Plain cloth bags, fabric markers, stencils.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Decorate bags with positive messages or designs.
2
Encourage creativity and fun in designs.
3
Give away at local grocery stores or community events.
Collecting and Sorting Recyclables
SUPPLIES
Recyclable materials, bins, gloves.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Collect recyclable materials from members.
2
Sort materials into appropriate bins.
3
Take to a local recycling center.
Making No-Sew Fleece Blankets
SUPPLIES
Fleece fabric, scissors, measuring tape.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut fleece into large squares.
2
Cut fringes around the edges and tie them.
3
Donate to shelters or hospitals.
Creating Encouragement Stones
SUPPLIES
Smooth stones, paint markers, sealant.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Paint inspirational messages or designs on stones.
2
Seal the stones for durability.
3
Place them in community gardens or paths.
Collecting Canned Food
SUPPLIES
Canned food items, boxes, transportation.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Members bring canned food items to the meeting.
2
Sort and box the food items.
3
Deliver to a local food bank or pantry.
Seed Bomb Making
SUPPLIES
Clay powder, compost, wildflower seeds.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Mix clay, compost, and seeds to form small balls.
2
Let them dry during the meeting.
3
Distribute for members to plant in community spaces.
Writing Letters to Soldiers
SUPPLIES
Stationery, pens, envelopes.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Write letters of appreciation and support to soldiers.
2
Decorate or personalize each letter.
3
Send them through a military support organization.
Assembling First Aid Kits
SUPPLIES
Basic first aid supplies, small bags or boxes, labels.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Pack each kit with essential first aid items.
2
Label each kit clearly.
3
Donate to schools, shelters, or community centers.
Creating Sensory Bottles for Kids
SUPPLIES
Plastic bottles, water beads, glitter, water.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill bottles with water beads, glitter, and water.
2
Seal bottles tightly.
3
Donate to children's hospitals or daycare centers.
Crafting Friendship Bracelets
SUPPLIES
Embroidery thread, beads, scissors.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Make simple braided or beaded bracelets.
2
Include notes of friendship or encouragement.
3
Share with local schools or community youth programs.
Hosting a Mini Book Drive
SUPPLIES
Books, boxes, transportation.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Members bring gently used books to donate.
2
Sort books by age group or genre.
3
Deliver to libraries, schools, or shelters.
Creating Pet Toys for Shelters
SUPPLIES
Old T-shirts, tennis balls, scissors.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut t-shirts into strips and braid around tennis balls.
2
Secure the ends tightly.
3
Donate to animal shelters or rescue groups.
Assembling Snack Packs for Kids
SUPPLIES
Snacks, bags, notes of encouragement.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Pack healthy snacks into individual bags.
2
Include a positive note in each bag.
3
Donate to after-school programs or children's shelters.
Coffee Cups for Shelter
SUPPLIES
Plain paper coffee cups, markers, stickers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Decorate cups with cheerful designs or messages.
2
Coat with a clear sealant if necessary.
3
Donate to homeless shelters or soup kitchens.
Collecting Eyeglasses for Donation
SUPPLIES
Used eyeglasses, collection box, cleaning supplies.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Clean and collect used eyeglasses from members.
2
Organize and label them by prescription if possible.
3
Donate to an organization that redistributes glasses to those in need.
Planting Herb Gardens in Cups
SUPPLIES
Small cups or pots, soil, herb seeds.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill cups with soil and plant herb seeds.
2
Water lightly and label each cup with the herb type.
3
Gift to members or donate to a community center for gardening projects.
Creating Get Well Soon Cards
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, markers, stickers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Make handmade cards with get-well messages.
2
Decorate with drawings or stickers.
3
Deliver to local hospitals or care facilities.
Assembling Care Packages for Troops
SUPPLIES
Snacks, personal care items, small games, boxes.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Pack boxes with the collected items.
2
Include a personal thank-you note or card.
3
Ship to troops overseas through a military support organization.
Making Book Covers for School Kids
SUPPLIES
Paper, markers, clear adhesive paper.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut paper to the size of standard textbooks.
2
Decorate the covers with fun designs or educational themes.
3
Donate to schools for students to use.
Creating Door Decor for Seniors
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, ribbon, decorations.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Craft decorative door hangings with positive messages.
2
Personalize with decorations or the recipient's name.
3
Deliver to a local senior center or nursing home.
Assembling Breakfast Bags for Shelters
SUPPLIES
Non-perishable breakfast items, bags, notes of encouragement.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill bags with items like granola bars, fruit cups, and juice boxes.
2
Include an uplifting note in each bag.
3
Deliver to homeless shelters or breakfast programs.
Making Beaded Keychains for Fundraisers
SUPPLIES
Beads, keychain rings, string, or wire.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Design and create beaded keychains.
2
Attach to keychain rings securely.
3
Use as items for club fundraisers or charity events.
Creating Small Art Pieces for Hospital Rooms
SUPPLIES
Canvas panels, paint, brushes.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Paint small, cheerful art pieces.
2
Allow to dry during the meeting.
3
Donate to local hospitals to brighten patient rooms.
Handmade Greeting Cards for Seniors
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, markers, stickers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Create greeting cards with warm messages.
2
Decorate with stickers or simple drawings.
3
Distribute to local senior centers or nursing homes.
Making Comfort Socks for Homeless
SUPPLIES
Socks, small toiletry items, notes of encouragement.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill socks with toiletry items like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.
2
Include a handwritten note inside each pair.
3
Donate to homeless shelters or outreach services.
Decorating Caps for Cancer Patients
SUPPLIES
Plain caps, fabric markers, iron-on patches.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Decorate caps with cheerful designs and messages.
2
Personalize with iron-on patches if desired.
3
Deliver to cancer treatment centers or hospitals.
Creating Thank You Notes for Donors
SUPPLIES
Stationery, pens, envelopes.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Write personalized thank-you notes to donors or supporters.
2
Address and stamp each envelope.
3
Mail them out to express gratitude and maintain good relationships.
Assembling Snack Bags for Emergency Services
SUPPLIES
Non-perishable snacks, bags, thank-you notes.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill bags with snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars.
2
Include a thank-you note for their service.
3
Deliver to local police stations, fire departments, or EMT stations.
Making Holiday Decorations for Community Centers
SUPPLIES
Construction paper, scissors, string.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Create simple holiday decorations like paper snowflakes or garlands.
2
Members can work together or individually.
3
Donate decorations to community centers or public spaces.
Collecting and Sorting Used Books for Schools
SUPPLIES
Used books, boxes, sorting labels.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Collect used books from club members.
2
Sort books by age appropriateness and condition.
3
Donate to under-resourced schools or libraries.
Crafting Paracord Bracelets for Survival Kits
SUPPLIES
Paracord, scissors, lighter.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut and burn the ends of paracord to make bracelets.
2
Braid or knot the paracord into durable bracelets.
3
Add to survival kits for the homeless or for emergency preparedness.
Hosting a Mini Hygiene Product Drive
SUPPLIES
Collection bins, hygiene products, transportation.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Collect hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shampoo.
2
Sort and package the items.
3
Deliver to local shelters or aid organizations.
Assembling Lunch Bags for Day Laborers
SUPPLIES
Sandwiches, fruit, water bottles, bags.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Prepare simple lunch bags with a sandwich, piece of fruit, and water.
2
Include a note of appreciation or encouragement.
3
Distribute to day laborers in the community
Creating Inspirational Bookmarks for Students
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, markers, ribbons.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Cut cardstock into bookmark shapes.
2
Decorate with motivational quotes and colorful designs.
3
Donate to local schools or youth programs.
Assembling Winter Care Packages
SUPPLIES
Gloves, hats, scarves, hand warmers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Collect and pack winter essentials into packages.
2
Add a warm message or note in each package.
3
Distribute to homeless shelters or outreach programs.
Making Birthday Cards for Children in Hospitals
SUPPLIES
Cardstock, markers, stickers.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Create fun and cheerful birthday cards.
2
Decorate with bright colors and stickers.
3
Deliver to local children's hospitals.
Collecting and Donating School Supplies
SUPPLIES
School supplies, boxes, labels.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Collect new school supplies like pencils, notebooks, and rulers.
2
Sort and box the supplies.
3
Donate to under-resourced schools or educational charities.
Creating Comfort Packs for Foster Children
SUPPLIES
Small toys, hygiene items, comforting notes, bags.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Assemble packs with toys, hygiene items, and a comforting note.
2
Place all items in a small, easy-to-carry bag.
3
Distribute to local foster care agencies or shelters.
Assembling Seed Starter Kit
SUPPLIES
Small pots, soil, seeds, instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Fill pots with soil and place a few seeds in each.
2
Include simple planting instructions.
3
Give to community members or schools to encourage gardening.
Making Holiday Ornaments for Fundraising
SUPPLIES
Ornament materials (e.g., wood slices, paint), hooks, ribbons.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Create simple, festive ornaments.
2
Personalize with messages or designs.
3
Sell ornaments as a fundraiser for club projects.
Creating Table Centerpieces for Community Events
SUPPLIES
Flowers, vases or jars, ribbons.
INSTRUCTIONS
1
Arrange flowers in vases or jars.
2
Decorate with ribbons or other simple adornments.
3
Donate to community events, senior centers, or hospitals.