Even the smallest hands can do something to help the world. This past summer my 8-year-old son, along with several of his neighborhood friends, organized a club they affectionately called “Helping the World” wherein they would do good deeds within their community. There was no exclusion within this club and the children found it was enjoyable the more the merrier!
The Helping the World Club began in June 2019 and is still going strong. The idea behind the club was to help others by providing service in some way to help the world—right where we live. These kids were teaching others about love and service. There were no limits to the good they could do! And, of course, the activities were all planned by the kids (with some help from the grown-ups) and therefore, simple!
For example, the first activity each of the children met at the local Harrisville park and picked up any trash they could see (while keeping hands clean by wearing gloves) and disposing of it in the garbage cans. What an accomplishment when the park was clean again!
Next, we met at one of the children’s backyards and learned all about chickens and the proper care and keeping of chickens. We learned about how they lay eggs, how many a day and the different personalities of each chicken. Additionally, all the children who wanted to were able to hold a chicken. What fun! We all enjoyed a picnic lunch afterward and free time in the backyard.
Not only was the Helping the World Club a good thing for the kids to learn about their environment and how they can use their hands to help the earth, but it was also good for us parents who were learning too! Plus, we were bonding with our children by spending one-on-one time with them.
We met the following week to make “Club t-shirts” and learned how to tye-dye our own white shirt. What fun! We used all kinds of colors and let our imaginations run free! Then, we let them sit overnight and soak in all the colorful goodness! Next time we met, we got to wear our vibrant club t-shirts for all to see!
Another occasion we met at Welfare Square, owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, in Salt Lake City Lake City. We were given a special, personal tour by Greg Young, who is an employee there, along with two sister missionaries. We learned all about the donations that are given across the world, the assistance the Church provides to others in need. In particular, to those are recently out of prison or are struggling in some way. We were given samples of delicious homemade bread and cheese in the end. Yum!
The children also chose to hold a bake sale/lemonade stand during the summer where they sold all kinds of delectable goodness to anyone who passed by. They earned a whopping $160! Talk about exciting! The kids were elated with their accomplishment! From there, they took half their income, placed it in an envelope, and visited the local Weber County Animal Shelter where they handed the $80 over to help support the animals. What a good feeling from both the children, grown-ups, and the Weber County Animal Shelter staff. Furthermore, we were given a great tour of the shelter where we had the opportunity to see the many cats, dogs and some bunnies. We learned all about how the shelter provides the best care for these animals and does their best to find the right animal for the right home.
The rest of the lemonade stand earnings will go towards the humanitarian efforts at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City where the children have previously visited.
What a joy to be part of the “Helping the World Club!” The possibilities are endless with ideas to do good all around us. If you want to start your own club with your child—do! Invite others to join and start doing something!
“A small, group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
