The entire purpose of our existence is to learn how to discipline our natural passions and tendencies, and in the process, develop the highest of all attributes – that of charity. Never forget, however, that charity and service are not the same. Charity is a characteristic trait, service is a kind act! And while charity is certainly developed through continual kind acts of service, charity also seeks no reward and is initiated because of unselfishness and love rather than the hope of recognition.

True service and charity are usually not accomplished through great one-time opportunities or philanthropic acts; but they are most often demonstrated best through habits of small, quiet, humble, and unrecognized actions of every day. Albert Einstein perhaps said it best when he penned: “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This truth explains why happiness is found from within, not without; and perhaps more importantly, it more fully explains why confidence and self-esteem improve and depression and sadness flee the moment we start to think of and help others. Ironically, our lives are found in the losing of them!

As we think of and approach service from this perspective, perhaps the 25 simple items listed below become much more significant. Why? Participation in these simple acts will certainly not be acts sufficient to be recognized on the news, be worthy of some award, or be justifiable to carve a name on a plaque. However, the continual participation in these unselfish acts of service and love will in time produce the greatest reward – that of the development of character, a life of service to others, and the eventual possession of charity. And while the reward for such acts is usually only an appreciative and grateful benefactor of the charitable act, the real satisfaction comes from the happiness that will inevitably result from a life of unselfish service.

Elderly and Senior Citizens:

1) Visit your local nursing home and simply visit and talk with patients, sing songs, tell stories, read books, play games, take them on a walk, put on a performance, etc.

2) Help an elderly neighbor by raking leaves, mowing lawn, weeding flower bed, shoveling snow, wash car, clean house, etc.

3) Visit widows or homebound individuals – make them a meal, stop in to say hi, help around house, etc.

4) Spend an evening teaching a senior citizen how to use the computer or internet, painting or drawing, scrapbooking, etc.

5) Go to nursing home and have a Karaoke night – sing songs they want (the ‘oldies’). Have them teach you their dance moves!

6) ‘Adopt a Grand-friend’ – every once in a while, pick up the phone, send an email, write a letter, or go and visit your ‘grand-friend.’

7) Help an elderly person by picking up their medicine, retrieving their paper, helping them with grocery shopping, taking them ‘out.’

8) Put together a puppet show, performance, or take a game – and have a fun game night with the senior citizens. (Take them a treat too).

9) Make a meal and just go visit an elderly, sick, or widowed person in the neighborhood and just have a fun evening together playing games, telling stories, and talking.

10) Visit grandparents, widows, or local elderly people in the neighborhood or nursing home – and write down their history. Just talk to them, ask them questions, and record their answers. Then, present that history to their family (decedents).

Needy, Homeless & the Hungry:

1) Go downtown and actually try to find someone who is homeless – give them a few dollars, or buy them a meal, or simply just talk to them.

2) Collect food from neighbors, at school, or from churches – give it to a local family in need, homeless shelter, or charity. Organize a food drive and set up bins in: stores, banks, schools, work offices, movie theatres, churches, etc.

3) Volunteer at your local homeless shelter, food bank, or soup kitchen.

4) Gather clothes, blankets, toys, books, or basic supplies and donate to local family in need, homeless shelter, Church, or non-profit organization.

5) The next time you pass by someone who is begging or homeless, stop and just talk to them. Listen to them and offer to help if you can. Donate money or buy them a meal (be careful of course, and don’t be alone).

6) Have fun and get a group to do a ‘service scavenger hunt.’ Groups will go around town and ask for various things for people to donate to help people in need. Items could include: coats, shoes, blankets, books, toys, clothes, gloves, bags, socks, combs, toothbrushes, towels, sheets, shampoo, soap, bottles, foam mattresses, etc.

7) Set up workshops to help people in need: employment resources, interview skills, resume tips, communication skills, educational resources, job skills, etc.

8) Look for opportunities to help people in need: visit a widow, babysit for a foster family, serve at an orphanage, etc.

9) Be a ‘big brother’ to a struggling child or teen. Visit local school, orphanage, or even homeless shelter and spend time with the child: read, play games, talk, tell stories, help with homework, laugh, etc.

10) Organize a huge group to collect grocery store coupons. Donate all these coupons to the local food bank, food pantry, or homeless shelter – and then stay and help pack, prepare, or hand out food.

11) Contact organizations like United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, or Non-Profits and participate in local community service projects.

12) Help with home repairs and yard work of local families / homes in need. Find out about low income housing projects – and help build, do yard work, or home repairs.

13) Work with leaders or homeless shelters (with approval from children’s parents) and take kids from Homeless Shelters out on ‘outings.’ Go to the park, out for ice cream, to the zoo, a museum, a game, etc.

14) Establish a Once A Month Reading Afternoon. Collect books and invite those who are illiterate or homeless to learn how to read.

15) ‘Adopt a Friend’ – go down to the local homeless shelter, orphanage, or soup kitchen and find someone to be a friend with.  Visit them often, read with them, talk with them, play games, tell stories, etc. Just be their friend.