Have you or someone in your family been wondering how we can safely serve others during the pandemic when social interaction is limited? It takes a little creative thinking but there are definitely people who need help during these times and we can serve. There are many people still in need of services and community support. In many ways this need has grown. What we are called to do now is no different than before but, we may have to think a little harder or differently to discern ways to serve.

These are a few suggestions that might help as you, your Confirmation candidate, or family imagine how to serve in our community.

• Make posters to place around schools or medical offices thanking those who are serving the community.

• Make a no-sew fleece blanket for someone who needs to be reminded they are loved. (A grandparent, a child who is ill, a resident of a nursing home or a neighbor are just a few suggestions.) Project Linus is a non for profit organization to take a look at. https://www.projectlinus.org/

• Write cards or make placemats to brighten the day for our friends in Senior Housing.

• Draw pictures to share with residents at Senior Housing

• Organize a food collection for our local Food Pantry. Check with the Common Pantry to find out their need and organize a collection for them. Work out the details with our neighborhood grocery stores.

• Make dinner and deliver to; a neighbor in need, health care professionals, seniors or quarantined families on your block.

• Unicef is a global organization doing working to save children. Trick or treat this year, for unicef. Join their website and earn money for the organization. Learn more about UNICEF here.

• Schedule regular chats or even book or poetry readings by phone with homebound individuals.

• Lifting Hearts for the Arts is a non- for- profit organization created by high school students to reach out to seniors in nursing homes. They accept high school aged teens who are interested in committing to a long term relationship with a senior citizen. https://www.liftingheartswiththearts.org/

• Organize and video record a concert or talent show for a local nursing home.

There are so many different ways we can reach out to the marginalized and provide comfort. Be creative in thought. Take your own personal talent into prayer and see what the Holy Spirit can help you think of.

Feel free to email kmcmillan@stbenedict.com for some help brainstorming.