Make snack bags.  Put water bottles, crackers, and a wet nap in a paper bag.  Decorate the bags with fun art – a 4 year old suggested we add the artwork.  Distribute them to those in need.  Makes for a fun craft project with great rewards.

Share the love AND the allowance.  Make separate piggy banks for allowance money.  Ask your kids what seems like
a fair percentage to donate.  Let them choose what organization and a goal amount.  If appropriate, let them experience the reward of presenting it to the organization when the goal is met.

Allocate bins for donated clothes and toys. Again, keep the kids part of the decision-making and presentation process.

Review Friends for Life project ideas for teachers, some of these projects would be fun to do as a family.  For instance
you can promote pets awaiting a permanent home visit www.adoptfriends4life.org with your kids. Use recycled materials in craft projects.

Plant trees, tend to a community garden, adopt a section of street, highway, or promenade as a family.

Adopt a grandparent.  Contact a local age restricted assisted or independent living center.

Coordinate a donation drive as part of your social group gatherings. Monthly suggestions appear on the home
page of www.itscool2care.org

Recycle as a family.  Enlist little smashers and sorters, explain how the materials will be recycled and identify
materials in your home that have a percentage of recycled content.

Hold a family brainstorming meeting.  Ask your kids for some other ideas.  At the launch of this website, eighty-five
percent of the ideas on itscool2care.org originated in brainstorming sessions with kids 15 and under! 
Please email us your ideas to be shared with other families.

Each month write a thank you card from the family.  Choose the recipient as a family, make sure everyone makes their mark on the card.  Make your thank you cards from recycled materials!

If you or someone you know wants to support a teacher's project, have your children help decide which project to contribute to at www.donorschoose.org

Information/advice from TRUCE regarding toy/activity selections and warnings:
TRUCE toy action guide 2007-2008