Within the 4-H world, we constantly see members and adult leaders spending time helping others in the community. It’s even part of our 4-H pledge as we pledge our hands to larger service. But guess what? Anyone is capable of serving others!

Whether you are age 2 or age 92, there are a variety of things you can do! Here are just a few examples of how easy it is to help others:

Help your community/school

Start a canned food drive and donate goods to your local Food Bank or community center.
Clean up litter around your school and/or community businesses.
Clean up a local park, cemetery or vacant lot.
Turn a vacant lot into a community garden.
Paint a mural over graffiti (with property owner permission).
Adopt-a-Highway — Clean up litter along your local roadways.
Plant flowers around the town to beautify your community.
Volunteer at a beach clean-up or plant beach grass.
Hold a Recycling Drive to repurpose items such as markers, plastic bottles, cans, jars, paper towel rolls, etc. See what kinds of crafts you can make out of these items!
Tutor a student virtually in one of your favorite subjects.
Volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build site (ages 16 and older).

Help children in need

Make and donate blankets or pillowcases to local hospitals.
Gather items for Operation Christmas Child to send to needy children around the world.

Help the homeless

Make care packages that include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hats, gloves and scarves.
Donate clothing, books, etc. to local shelters.

Help the elderly

Help an elderly neighbor by doing yardwork, shoveling snow, etc.
Adopt a “grandfriend”. Send coloring pages, cards, notes and call and elderly friend or neighbor.

Help the military

Make and send cards to deployed soldiers throughout the year.
Make and send care packages to local soldiers who are deployed. Find out what some of their favorite foods and be sure to include a note thanking them for their service! One example of this is through Operation Shoebox.
Send encouraging notes and care packages to local families who have a family member who is deployed.