Featured Article: Spreading the Love With Your Family

Featured Article: Spreading the Love With Your Family by Sarah L.

When we hear February 14th , we think of love, and sweets, and ways our hearts go flutter.  Why not try something new this Valentine's Day by spreading that love to others, outside your family circle. 

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

· Pick up items for the food pantry when you go to the store.  Buy stuff on sale, use coupons, or clean out the cupboards at home. 

· Help sort products in the food pantry - contact Dorothy Schuler to set up a time at 829-0712.

· Do a clothing or coat drive - big or small

· Bring a meal to a family who is struggling financially

· Volunteer at Harvesters.  Harvesters is a local organization who’s mission is to feed the hungry.  Www.harvesters.org

· Offer to babysit for a single mom while they run errands

· Clean out the toy box and see what you can donate to charity.  Talk with your kids about how not all kids are so blessed to have so many toys, clothes, and food to eat......

· Volunteer to help be a greeter at church or MOPS - have your kids greet with you.

· Volunteer to work in your child's classroom at church or school.  If you model acts of service as the norm in your family, it will become a normal part of their lives

· Work with your church to see what service projects they have going on and how your family can get involved (backpack drive, Christmas angels...)

· Shovel snow for a neighbor, help with yard work, or scrape ice off their windshield

· Bring a plate of cookies and cards your kids made to an elderly neighbor on Valentine’s Day

· Babysit for a friend while she goes to the doctor/dentist

· Volunteer for Meals on Wheels and have your kids help you deliver.  http://hsa.jocogov.org/aging/mow.shtml

· Volunteer as a family to throw a Valentine’s party at a local women’s/kid’s shelter.  Hope House provides residence for domestic violence victims and their children.  Volunteer groups are needed to plan and implement holiday parties in the Shelter throughout the year. Parties should include activities for all ages, such as arts & craft projects, games or outdoor activities. Www.hopehouse.net

· Become a “mentor” at Mother’s Refuge.  A local shelter for pregnant teens and pregnant homeless women.  Www.mothersrefuge.org

· Take a family a meal when they are sick, have a baby, or death in the family.

· Don’t forget our furry friends need love too: Wayside Waifs and Animal Haven have numerous volunteer opportunities available. 

1 Peter 5:2-4 (NLT): “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”

Just find something that you enjoy and do it with your kids.  Explain why you are doing it and that God wants us to help each other and show love to our neighbors.  Whatever you choose to do, know that you are helping our Good Shepherd take care of His flock.