Family Service Ideas

30 Inspiring Service Ideas for the whole family.

Kids are full of energy, creativity, and a growing awareness of the world around them. They want to make a difference—and they can. Doing service together as a family can show your children the Christ love and example you strive for. Whether through school, church, clubs, or personal interest, community service is a powerful way for kids to develop leadership, empathy, and purpose.

Here are 30 service ideas that the whole family can do together. This can help encourage family bonding and strengthen relationships within your family as you work together to serve others. 

1. Bake cookies or bread for a neighbor.
   
   

2. Donate gently used coats, scarves, and gloves to a local shelter.
   
   

3. Make homemade Christmas cards for nursing home residents.
   
   

4. Pay for the coffee or meal of the person behind you in line.
   
   

5. Shovel snow or rake leaves for an elderly neighbor.
   
   

6. Donate canned goods to a food pantry.
   
   

7. Visit a nursing home to sing Christmas carols.
   
   

8. Write thank-you notes to community helpers (police, firefighters, teachers).
   
   

9. Deliver a small holiday gift to your mail carrier.
   
   

10. Pick up trash at a park or along a walking trail.
    
    

11. Make blessing bags with snacks, socks, and toiletries for the homeless.
    
    

12. Offer to babysit for a single parent so they can shop or rest.
    
    

13. Leave a generous tip for a restaurant server.
    
    

14. Hide encouraging notes in library books or public spaces.
    
    

15. Send a care package to deployed military members.
    
    

16. Donate toys to a children’s hospital or holiday toy drive.
    
    

17. Help decorate a community space for the holidays.
    
    

18. Invite someone who might be alone to share a holiday meal.
    
    

19. Leave a basket of treats at your doorstep for delivery drivers.
    
    

20. Make homemade ornaments and give them away.
    
    

21. Offer free gift-wrapping for friends or neighbors.
    
    

22. Share extra baked goods with a local fire or police station.
    
    

23. Donate pet supplies to an animal shelter.
    
    

24. Call or video chat with relatives who live far away.
    
    

25. Deliver hot cocoa to outdoor workers on a cold day.
    
    

26. Drop off a surprise holiday meal to a busy family.
    
    

27. Volunteer at a community holiday event.
    
    

28. Create a “thankfulness chain” by writing blessings on paper strips and sharing them.
    
    

29. Offer to run errands for someone sick or elderly.
    
    

30. Pray together as a family for people in need during the holiday season.