Ideas for Good Deeds

"Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done." ~Teresa of Avila

 Make everyone you meet today feel special.  Give them a smile, a compliment, a word of encouragement, a hug or just listen to them.

Praying for someone is the greatest thing we can do for them!  Teach children to pray for others.

 Let your children help cut/gather flowers from your yard and give them to someone who needs a pick-me-up. Sometimes a visit is the greatest gift!

Help children make cards with encouraging sayings on them to randomly leave for people.  Let the children help with the sayings and writing.

Let children plant seeds in little pots and surprise people with them.  Children could also have fun decorating the pots.

Take lots of pictures for new mothers, teachers, your children's friends, special events and send them to those who would appreciate them.

Let children paint rocks and use a permanent marker to write encouraging words on them.  Leave them along a path or in other places people can find them! Words like: hope, dream, believe, love, faith, trust, dare, today, etc.

Put spare change in a jar.  When the jar is full, secretly give it to someone who needs help. The children can help find ways to fill the jar and decide who needs help.

If an event in the news or in your area, is upsetting to your child, show them they can help.  Follow their lead.  Do something with your child to make a difference.

Tape an envelope with change in it to a vending machine.  Write "Have a Blessed Day" or some other inspiring words.

Pass out sandwiches and bottles of water in the park.

Bring bubbles or a ball to a park.  Give them away or have fun with them.

Set up a free lemonade or hot chocolate stand.

Volunteer to play with your neighbor's children or walk their dog.

Visit someone who doesn't get out much.

In a restaurant, ask your server if there is anything they would like you  pray for when you thank God for the meal.

Let someone in front of you in line.

Hand write notes to thank others.

Is there someone that serves you regularly in some way?  A clerk in a store, post office worker, waiter, gas station clerk, mechanic, etc.  Say thank you by bringing them a flower from your garden, something you have made, or a special treat.

Find a child to read a story with.

Find a special plate or jar at a thrift store.  Fill it with treats and a note saying that when they are finished with the treats to refill it and pass it on.

Today, as I pulled up to a light I saw a woman with a sign asking for help. A young man pulled over, got out and handed the woman a loaf of french bread. He had a big smile on his face.  It feels so good to help others!

Older children can keep bread or crackers and a jar of peanut butter in their locker at school.  They can let others know that it is available anytime it's needed.

Have you heard about the Blessing Boxes that are showing up around neighborhoods?  People are making wooden boxes and stocking them with food for anyone in need to anonymously take.

Make bookmarks from used cards and your favorite verses or sayings.  Leave them at a thrift store in special books or at the library or give them out.

Bake a cake in a canning jar and seal it.  (Pinterest has ideas or Google it) They can stay unrefrigerated for up to a year.  Share the goodness!

Fill a jar with small toys or art supplies to give to a child that is sick.

Bury "treasures" in a sandbox at the park for children to find.