Easy Ideas for Giving

Easy Ideas for Giving

Here is a list of some examples the NJ Heartworks has done along with helpful hints and spiritual growth opportunities for participants. Remember that it is essential to spiritual growth to allow ourselves to be open to the challenges of life, feel uncomfortable emotions and have our hearts cracked open by one another’s experiences. TAKE THE RISK AND REACH OUT RATHER THAN TRY TO IGNORE WHAT IS HAPPENING...Don’t get overwhelmed, small gestures mean a tremendous amount.

GIVE A BEAUTIFUL BOX FILLED WITH 20s, 10s AND SINGLE DOLLAR BILLS TO A FAMILY WHO IS GRIEVING. This money can be used for errands, lunch money, baby sitting etc., and will just be on hand when a few dollars are needed. Package up the money in a beautiful gift box or bag as a way of presenting it as a gift rather than a “donation.” Attach a card explaining what it is for. One of the challenges with grief is managing the small, tedious day-to-day tasks, like going to the ATM, and this small act will hopefully eliminate some of this stress for maybe even just a moment. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: This is good practice in remembering we do not have to reinvent the wheel. Just take one small task of everyday life and attempt to make it easier for someone. The power of healing can reach people through a simple gesture such as this.

MAKE DINNERS FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING A CRISIS. Don’t just make dinner! Make it personal and easy for the receiver by adding colorful paper plates and plastic silverware rolled in a napkin for each family member. A coordinating paper table cloth will also help the meal feel special. Deliver everything in disposable containers and ask the person if they would like the meal to be left at the front door or would they like visitors. (A cooler left outside with a note on it that says “Thank you” takes the pressure off the family to answer the door or call and say thanks.) Having kids make cards or any other special touches (flowers, dessert, wine) shows the family that cooking for them was not a chore, but really a way to show them you care about what is happening in their lives. (Remember to check for allergies.) SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: To step out of our own day and be present with someone else’s experience.

DONATE TO ANY CHILD OR TEENAGER WHO IS RAISING AWARENESS FOR A CAUSE. Don’t get stuck on having to give them a ton of money! What kids need the most as they work on a cause is to be encouraged by adults. If someone is standing outside the grocery store asking for donations for something, give a dollar and take the time to tell them how awesome you think it is that they are there. Send a note of encouragement to any kid/teen who is stepping out of their own life for someone else. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: Passing on the principal to kids that it is vital to of take risks and get involved with creating changes in the world.

CREATIVE GIFT BASKETS. If a person is receiving treatments for health issues, or is just plain sick or grieving, find out what they love to do and make a basket of some favorite things. This is a great gesture to come from classmates, co-workers or neighbors. Examples are books, a blanket, candy and snacks, DVDs, toys, new pajamas and slippers, etc. Check with the receiver to see what they like. (New pajamas may help one person feel good and for another person it may be important that they get up and get dressed each day, so for them it could be a new outfit from a favorite store.) Make a family basket filled with games/activities for a family game night along with a gift card to a local restaurant for a take-out dinner. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: Working with a group for a collective higher purpose, have fun putting together a basket you know may give someone something to smile about when they are struggling.

WRITE NOTES OF SUPPORT. Never underestimate the power of the written word! Leave a note on someone’s car in the parking lot, mail a letter to their home or organize with friends to have everyone in the group pick a day to mail a letter, this way it is a continuous, non-evasive way of showing you care. If you are going to see a person who is sick at a party or event and don’t want to say “Hey, I heard you had cancer” (bad idea), instead, write them a note and hand it to them saying “This is for you to read later.” They will know what the note is a bout and you are showing you care without forcing them to talk about chemo treatments over birthday cake. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: A chance to allow yourself to be present with the situation and express yourself in your own words at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to share a time that you yourself struggled and why you are reaching out to them. If you are not good with words, write a poem, prayer or verse that has been helpful in your own life.

SPECIFIC IDEAS FOR CHILDREN (remember to get permission from the school/team first). If a child is sick and out of school, here are some ideas to reach out:

Have a parent go in class with a video camera and film messages from students and teachers (don’t forget the principal, bus driver, cafeteria staff etc…)
A class or team can chip in or raise money for an iPod (or it can be donated by a parent) and make a collection of each classmate's favorite song. Then create a list of whose song is from whom.
Video any assemblies, concerts or sporting events that the child is missing while away from school so he/she feels like they are still a part of things.
Have teammates/classmates sign up to send “a card a day” so there is always something in the mail! This can also be done with small gifts, movies, snacks left outside their front door on a daily basis.
Collect money for school lunches to be bought for students while siblings or parents are in the hospital. If a class has daily snacks, you could organize a big gift bag full of snacks made for a sibling so the caretaker doesn’t have to remember a snack each day. You could also have different moms and dads tape personal notes onto each snack (make sure you are using snacks that the child likes!)

SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: You are showing children that there are people who care about them, it can also help you pay forward something that was done for you during childhood as well as possibly heal a time that you were struggling and needed more support in your own life.

Before you go ahead with any of these ideas, I suggest you call a close friend or relative of the family to check on how things are going…has the family gotten 6 lasagnas in a row? Are there allergies? Is the person receiving too many pajamas, toys or flowers and do things need to be changed up a bit? Do flowers (or whatever) feel good or bad for the person? Remember that what might feel uplifting to you may not feel the same way to someone else…Just check with a trusted person and then move forward with your plan!