Four Family Service Projects for Advent
Did you know the Good King Wenceslas was real? Well, sort of. The events that take place in the beloved carol may be apocryphal, but the man himself actually existed. The legends surrounding the Czech Duke Vaclav (he was made a king posthumously) influenced our idea of a just ruler that persists to this day, hundreds of centuries after his death in the year 935.
In the song, the good king is described as venturing out in cold, icy weather on St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) to bring food and firewood to one of his poor subjects. His page had trouble keeping up with the king's long strides and fell back, becoming ever colder as their walk went on. The king suggested that the page step into his footprints, which he’d find would keep him warm. A miracle!
Image by Till Voigt from Pixabay.
We have not yet solved the problem of poverty in our world, so we'd be wise to follow the good king’s kind example all through the year. It’s natural. though, that our attention turns to community during Advent. What better time, then, to organize a family project focused on community service and assistance? There are limitless opportunities to share one's privileges and blessings during the holiday season, with good fits for every family interest. Here are four of our favorites that can be easily adapted to any energy level or philanthropic budget.
Neighborhood Elves:Those of us who have older kids remember what it was like to try to observe Advent, prepare for Christmas, keep a little time for ourselves and just generally keep on an even keel, all at the same time. If you live near young families who may be struggling in this way, encourage your tweens and teens to reach out and offer some free babysitting time. Why not invite little friends over for a movie, hot chocolate, and crafts? Their parents will welcome the time on their own - something that comes all too rarely this time of year! Your own children can flex their caretaking muscles under your watchful eye - an excellent bonus.
Knit Wits: Any knitting maniacs in your family? Or maybe crochet is your tribe’s speed? If you can wield a hook or needle, the coming of winter is an excellent time to make a stack of hats for the homeless. How about a Stitching Challenge to see who can make the most hats over the course of Advent? Even non-creative types can pick up the basics via online tutorials and videos. Yarn expenses can be made more manageable via those ubiquitous craft store coupons (or ask around to see if your neighbors have any leftover yarn from prior projects- they might be willing to donate to the cause and have less clutter around the house).
When you’re ready to donate, contact shelters which work with the homeless and follow their lead for distribution. If you’re truly a super knitter, ask if they have any interest in socks, too; dry, warm socks are a perennial need in our homeless populations.
By the Book: If your family’s philanthropic interests have a literary bent, check your local library or school district for kids’ book drives. Donated books are used to fill out kids’ collections, given to new libraries in underfunded schools, or distributed to at-risk young people through social service organizations. Some drives accept gently loved pre-owned volumes and others specify a need for brand-new books. Once you find a collection you’d like to support, organize a mini-drive in your neighborhood. Not only will the sponsoring group receive more than they might have otherwise, but it’s a great project that weaves ties between neighbors whom you may not yet know well.
Share the Celebration- At risk families living in shelters or emergency housing likely do not have many resources available to observe Advent or Christmas in a way that many of us take for granted. Everything from lighting special candles before an evening meal or spending an afternoon making gingerbread houses are traditions that are just simply out of reach to families experiencing housing pressure. A care package of craft kits, seasonally-appropriate paper goods, and other simple treats can go a long way to helping a family feel a part of your community's celebrations.
If you don’t know of a shelter nearby, your local social services can likely point you in the right direction. Be sure to call and ask if such a donation will be welcomed before you get started; many shelters have specific guidelines on what they’ll accept which are designed to support their clients’ unique needs.
Few times of year remind us quite as poignantly of the many blessings we have that aren’t universally enjoyed. As we make plans for a time of feasting and celebration surrounded by family and friends, we must remember there are so many who cannot do the same. We’re called upon during Advent - in both the cultural and faith-based definitions - to reach out to our communities, local and global, and include them in the anticipation and preparations of the season.