GREAT SUMMER PROJECTS FOR FAMILIES TO DO

DURING THE SUMMER

From 52 Weeks of Fun Family Service by Merrilee Boyack

PROJECT 1— THANK YOU’S:

                  In our community, there are so many people who receive little attention of praise for the work they contribute in so many ways. A simple project would be to organize a “thank you” card drive for those who help you and your family. Maybe you want to recognize teachers, people at your church, policemen, firemen, hospital workers, volunteers at hospital, or even American Soldiers serving abroad. There are so many people who could benefit from this project and so many ways to accomplish it.

        

PROJECT  2— RECYCLING DRIVE:

                  Too often, aluminum, glass bottles, and other recyclable materials go to waste while many people in the community lack the ability to afford housing. A good project to save the environment and help people would to organize a neighborhood recycle drive where you collect cans and/or bottles, take the material to a recycling center, and then donate the proceeds to the local Habitat for Humanity here in St. George.

        

PROJECT 3—MAKING QUILTS:

                  While there are many people who are suffering from natural events and poverty throughout the world, there are plenty of local organizations who would love for volunteers to make and donate quilts. Some good organizations include Utah Foster Care, Dixie Care and Share, the Dove Center, the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, and more.

 

PROJECT 4—SING TO SENIORS:

                  Make someone’s day who could use a visit. There are plenty of neighbors and patients in care facilities.

 

PROJECT 5—READ AND RECORD BOOKS:

                  As a group or a small family, select pre-school aged books that can be read and recorded by different family members and then donated with a personalized book on CD or tape. Even small children can help make sound effects. Remember to say “turn page” and other necessary phrases. These books and books on CD/tape can be given to elementary schools or to a Head Start Program (an organization that prepares low-income children between 0-5  for academic success.)

 

PROJECT 6—FIREFIGHTER APPRECIATION DAY:

                  Make delicious treats to deliver to firefighters in the cities, or more importantly, for firefighters fighting wildfires in Southern Utah. Other sorts of care packages can be assembled as well. This project also ties into PROJECT #1.

 

PROJECT 7—ASSEMBLE HYGIENE KITS:

                  Collect Hygiene kit items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, and other items that can be assembled into plastic bag and given to local charities in Southern Utah—such as Dixie Care and Share, the Dove Center, Utah Foster Care Foundation, and other similar organizations. These kits can also be given to international organizations like the LDS humanitarian department and shipped to disaster victims worldwide. Collecting the kits could be as simple as approaching a business, holding a fundraiser, or by hosting a scavenger hunt.

 

PROJECT 8—BAKE SALE FOR THE HUNGRY:

                  Organize a local bake sale where profits would be given to Dixie Care and Share to buy badly needed supplies during the summer months. Pass flyers out to neighbors telling them of the need of donations for Dixie Care and Share—which is lowest at the end of Summer AND NOT AT CHRISTMAS TIME. When community members buy a baked good and need change back, ask if the customer would like to donate the change to charity. Every dime goes somewhere!

 

PROJECT 9—MAKE PLACEMATS FOR THE ELDERLY:

                  We live in a beautiful area of the world, filled with red rocks, great canyons, and majestic volcanoes. Unfortunately, not all citizens are able to be outdoors as often as they would like. Taking pictures of the Southern Utah’s Beauty and then creating placemats is a great way to enjoy spectacular hiking while sharing your adventures to others who would like to be experiencing similar adventures. You can give your creations away to individuals in care facilities, in your neighborhood, or elsewhere.

 

PROJECT 10—COLLECT MAGAZINES AND BOOKS FOR A LOCAL SHELTER:

                  Have you ever gone through your shelf to find old books that collect dust? Most likely, the your friends, family, and neighbors have a similar story. Why not collect unused book and donate them to community shelters across the county. Some great organizations could be the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, the Learning Center for Families, the local community health clinic or Doctor’s Free Clinic (for their patients to read while waiting), and many others.

 

PROJECT 11—GARAGE SELL FOR CHARITY:

                  Sometimes cleaning out the closest can be a painful memory …… despite your best attempt, junk continues to pile up. Instead of tossing the junk, why not have a garage sell and raise money for an organization like the American Red Cross? If there are items left, why no donate them to Deseret Industries, the Salvation Army, the Catholic Thrift Store, and other organizations that use donated items to help people receive care and/or training.? If you want to make the project bigger, invites others to join with you!

 

PROJECT 12—TOY COLLECTION BONANZA:

                  Although Christmas can be far away, it is never too early to start collecting toys for those in Foster Care. Whether you organize a toy drive at school, in your neighborhood, or just want to donate a few toys yourself, the help is appreciated.

 

PROJECT 13—GARDEN FOR THE HUNRY:

                  Do you want to find an on-going opportunity to give to the hungry in Washington County? Why not grow vegetables for the hungry. As great as it is for the hungry to eat canned vegetables, what would it be like for them to eat real ones now and again? Best of all, you can grow the food in your own back yard!

 

PROJECT 14—SEND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL TO CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD:

                  Plan to gather and put together simple education kits to children around the world who do enjoy the same privilege to educational resources like we do in the United States. These kits could be as simple as a notebook, some pens and pencils, and some crayons. Perhaps there is a favorite book you have about the United States. Whatever you have, share it! You can work with global relief organizations like HOPE International or the LDS Humanitarian Services to find more options.

 

PROJECT 15—LEMONADE OF LOVE:

                  Do you remember the days of the lemonade stand? Why not get involved again and start one for charity.! It might sound simple, but maybe it’s worth a shot!

 

PROJECT 16—RECORD A SENIOR’S HISTORY:

                  How much did gas cost back in the 60’s? What historical events changed history for those in this community? If you want to find out, volunteer to record personal memories and histories for those who are growing older. Your service can help fight seniors retain their memories—which is especially important during the beginning stages of dementia—offer an unparalleled service to  family members of those who serve, and allow you to learn from those who have contributed to our society. It is a win-win project. Perhaps you want to get involved at a rest home or work the Alzheimer Association’s respite group. No matter the case, there are plenty of seniors in this community that would enjoy the help.

 

PROJECT 17—”GO PLANT A TREE!”:

                  Breathable oxygen is something that nearly everyone in this community enjoys, but next to air, a nice shady tree on a hot day does wonders! Since there are so many new projects (like parks, church buildings, office buildings, ect) being developed in Washington County right now, work with a parks department or another organization to plant a tree. You can even plant the tree in memory or respect for someone who has touched your like in some way.

 

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Do you have additional project ideas or need help planning and organizing a project?

Contact Clint Cottam at the Volunteer Center of Washington County

 

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