Building Shared Values Through Service Projects for Veterans and Others

In many families, doing good deeds for others is a group effort. Service projects are surprisingly easy to organize and can be unique ways of celebrating holidays and other important occasions. In fact, many parents choose to include family service projects as part of routine holiday celebrations in order to keep the real meaning of these special days in mind even when the world chooses to focus on something different.

It is easy to tailor a family service project to an expression of gratitude for veterans and other service members. Some days, such as Independence Day and Memorial Day, are naturally suited to this kind of endeavor. Spending time with veterans and thanking military personnel for their service can be included into the celebration of other holidays, too.

Feeding the Hungry, Visiting the Lonely

Veterans sadly make up a large portion of the homeless population and they rely on the services of charity organizations and service groups for their most basic needs. You and your family can collect donations for shelters during the holidays. Many shelters are in need of:

• Blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Warm jackets and coats
• Hats, mittens, thick socks, and other cold weather gear
• Sturdy shoes
• Toiletries and personal care items for men, women, and children

If a local shelter accepts public donations, ask for a list of their most needed items. This will provide a helpful guide as you ask community members for donations.

Veterans’ clubs and retirement homes often welcome community members who wish to visit during the holidays. Not everyone has family members living nearby that come to visit; spending time with these individuals helps make their holidays a little brighter.

Learning Through Doing

These family service projects have a strong educational component to them. Young children and teenagers both have the opportunity to learn the value of compassion and sharing. Vulnerable members of society can be cared for with only a small effort. Giving thanks and showing gratitude can be accomplished by giving to people who have less.

Service projects also help educate young people about the complex needs facing our veterans and service members. Many service members return from duty in need of more than a job and a place to live; they require appropriate medical care to treat health conditions influenced by their period of service and other forms of support.

Younger members of the family learn many valuable skills through participation in service projects. Not only do they gain valuable practice organizing their participation in these projects and sticking to the commitments they make, they also have the opportunity to meet and speak with people they might have never met under other circumstances. Learning directly from the people served through these projects can be a deeply moving experience. Spending time with veterans and other service members is one of the best ways to thank them for everything they have done and continue to do.

Building Strong Families

Service projects let families grow closer together by doing things that promote shared values. Young family members have to learn the importance of service and sacrifice, and the value of keeping commitments. Service projects are a great way to do accomplish this and to meet other people who have made service a personal priority.

Related products you may like:

Vietnam Military Service Rings

Featuring the Vietnam Medal & Ribbon, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Your Service Branch Emblem in 10 KT Gold, and Personal Birthstones

read more »