Student Service

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well’, but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?”   ~ James 2:14-16

Giving back to your community can help teens develop career and life skills – plus it can be a fun family activity!   Audrey Hepburn once said, “As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and one for helping others.”
 
Performing service is an essential part of sacramental preparation because through it we show an understanding of our role in the community of believers - the Church. Loving God requires that we reach out to our neighbors and by acts of kindness; we are witnessing God’s love within us.

https://m25m.org/help/volunteering/    Matthew 25 Ministries in Blue Ash has lots of volunteering opportunities for individuals, families, or groups. 

https://ourdailybread.us/donate-food/-Our    Daily Bread is always looking for people to make sandwiches each day. Sign up and pick a day.

https://www.inreturn.org/student-volunteer-program.html-   InReturn wants students who come in after school to help employees with brain trauma issues to complete simple tasks for their job.

https://nestclc.org/volunteer/   NEST needs students to help tutor younger students after school. They also have a summer program which feeds lunch to lower income students and engages in fun activities with the children.

1. Walk your neighbor's dogs
   If someone is temporarily unable to care for a pet, take the extra step to spend some time with that person as well. The pet’s owner may be feeling isolated or lonely.
2. Visit with an elderly neighbor or family member
   Connect with people in your community who have trouble leaving the house and would benefit from short, regular visits. You can also help rake leaves, mow lawns, shovel snow or bring food.
3. Help younger students with homework after school.
   If there is a subject that you excel in, consider offering help to your classmate or younger students who may not have access to tutors.
4. Grocery shop to help and elderly person and family to save time.
   Getting to the grocery store can be cumbersome. This simple task may take less than an hour of your time per week, but will make a huge difference in someone’s life.
5. Provide free child care to family members or friends.
   If you’re responsible and experienced with children, helping with child care can be a fun way to help out a member of your family or the community.
6. Fundraise for a cause you care about.
   Many fundraisers involve races or walks, which have the added benefit of physical activity. Find a cause close to your heart and ask friends and family to support it, too.
7. Donate old clothes or toys.
   You’ve likely outgrown a few pairs of pants or toys you no longer use. Clean out your closets and give away gently-used items to your favorite charity.