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Fall is, in my opinion, the most beautiful season of all. (Are you sick of me talking about it yet? Hehe.) However, the changing temperatures are not ideal for all, thanks to homelessness and families/individuals who may lack financial or other resources.
You and your grandkids can help make autumn a little warmer and more beautiful for others in many different ways, including these 12 easy yet impactful ways to give back this fall:
1. Leaf raking (or general yard maintenance) for elderly neighbors
Have you seen Mrs. Thompson’s yard lately? (Heck – have you seen MY yard lately? Ha!) She could use a hand with those leaves, so grab your grandkids and some rakes, and turn a leaf mountain into a tidy yard.
2. Serve at a soup kitchen
Do you feel that chill in the air? It can only mean one thing: It’s soup season! Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen with the grands because nothing beats the feeling of ladling warmth into someone’s bowl (and heart).
3. Blessing bags
I wrote an entire post on blessing bags, but it deserves to be repeated. To make a blessing bag – which you can keep in your car to gift when you see someone in need – fill reusable grocery bags with necessities, treats, and maybe even a dollar or two. Trust me: This seemingly small gesture can significantly impact the recipient.
4. Food drive fun
Set up a cute, fall-themed box in your front yard or organize a can collection at your church or a local rec center. Hosting your own food drive is like trick-or-treating but in reverse, and for a great cause!
5. Chat at senior centers or nursing homes
Nothing makes you happier than your grandbabies, and guess what? They can brighten other people’s days, too! Our older buddies have the best stories, and a visit can brighten their day and yours. Oh, the tales your grandkids will hear…
6. Thanksgiving surprises
Know a family who could use a feast? Why not secretly (or not-so-secretly) make their Thanksgiving dinner a grand one? Invite them to share a meal at your house or offer to bring their meals to them!
7. Fall closet cleanout
Those cozy sweaters your grandkids outgrew? There’s someone out there who’d feel warm in them. It’s time for a donation day, whether through your church or a local homeless shelter.
8. Fundraise!
Do you have an organization that is near and dear to your heart? Why not team up with your grands to raise money? Whether you craft and sell things or set up another business, you and your grandkids will have a warm and fuzzy feeling that will stay with you for the rest of the season.
9. Garden goodies
If your green thumb yielded more than you can eat, share the bounty. There’s joy in giving fresh, homegrown veggies (or baked goods you made with said veggies)!
10. Bake sale
Speaking of baked goods (zucchini bread, anyone?), a bake sale is another fun and lucrative way to raise money for the charity of your choice. What will you and your grands make?
11. Warmth drive
Instead of raising funds, you can raise awareness for homelessness by collecting coats and other warm apparel. As the air gets crispier, begin to gather scarves, mittens, and hats. Who knows: Your attic treasures might be someone’s defense against the cold.
12. Walk with purpose
Those autumn hues are perfect for a charity walk backdrop. Don’t know of any upcoming ones in your neck of the woods. A quick Google search should yield many results. What are you waiting for? It’s time to sign up, stroll, and support!
Conclusion
Fall is all about warmth, in temperature, and in the heart. With these activities, you’re keeping the tradition alive and passing it on to your grandkids. Enjoy the season of giving – and let’s talk again soon!
