Vicki’s TOP “10” Secret Service Ideas

  1. RAKE and RUNGet some yard waste bags, and pick a neighborhood, if it’s fall rake as manyleaves as you can especially for elderly or disabled individuals. If it’s winter, shovel snow. If it’s summer, mow their grass.
  2. HELPING HANDGo to a grocery store and be a volunteer cart pusher. Watch for people putting groceries in their cars and ask if you can take their carts for them. Don’t take tips, just except a thank you!
  3. WASHED OUTHave a totally free car wash. Don’t accept donations. Don’t charge a dime. Just wash cars. It’ll bless others and be fun, too.
  4. IT’S IN THE BAGGet together with some friends and go grocery shopping for a needy family. Pitch in a few dollars each and see how far you can stretch the money. This is a great idea around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
  5. HI NEIGHBORGo with a group and go door-to-door in your neighborhood. When people answer the door, simply ask, “Is there something I can do for you today?” Who knows what they’llneed help with,or how surprised someone offered! Put out a flyer the week before saying your group is coming around to help with odd jobs.
  6. PARENT PARDONHave a date night for parents in your church or community and provide babysitting at no cost. Prepare games, crafts, and activities for the kids. Giveparents at least 3 or 4 hours to go out together.
  7. KIDS CAREGo to a children’s hospital in your area and visit the kids there. Many places would let you put on a small program (games, skits, etc.). Those who are sick really need a boost and this is a great way to do it. Don’t wait for a holiday—do itany time!
  8. COOL WATERTake cold bottles of water to a local park, running trail, basketball court, baseball field or other places where people may be exercising and working up a thirst. Offer them water, but be mindful not to interrupt their activities. Set up a table with signage advertising your service. Make it clear on the signs that the water is a courtesy service provided by the youth group.
  9. SERVE IT UPHelp prepare and serve the food at a soup kitchen or hospice. Pick simple one pot meals. They’ll be happy that you came!
  1. CHRISTIAN COFFEEHOUSEHave a youth coffeehouse or movie night to reach out to people who might not attend church. Invite members of your youth group to play music, read poetry or perform family friendly stand-up comedy in a relaxed, comfortable setting or set up for a movie night. Recruit volunteers to donate light snacks. Advertise by distribution of fliers and word of mouth.

Organizations YOUth Can Work With

HandsOn Network

Do Something

Salvation Army

Feeding America

United Way

Habitat for Humanity