As someone who often sees parents asking about ways that they can volunteer with their kids, I reached out to a friend who coordinates Lebanon Valley College's service program for some suggestions. With in-person opportunities continuing to be limited due to the pandemic, here are some ideas for how you can safely serve your community.
Care for older adults
Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges faced by older adults, especially now. Consider offering care and support in the following ways:
- Make a phone call and catch up
- Deliver a homemade meal or groceries
- Help with errands, outdoor chores, etc.
- Make and send cards (Even connect with a local care facility or senior community and inquire about how you may have cards delivered to their residents)
Donate food to a local food pantry
Help feed our local community by accessing the links below for details regarding pantry wish lists, drop off procedures, etc.
- Lebanon County Christian Ministries in Lebanon*: https://www.lccm.us/wish-list.html
- The Caring Cupboard in Palmyra: https://www.caringcupboard.org/giving-food
- JOY Pantry in Jonestown: http://www.joypantry.org/covid-19-food-donations.html
- LCCM also collects clothing items. Details are provided through the link above.
Beautify your community
Go for a walk and pick up trash along the way. Use sidewalk chalk to decorate your neighborhood walkways with positive messages and inspiring art.
Read about it
Choose one of these fabulous community service-focused books for children.
