What: Create an event where volunteers can work on community service projects at multiple stations.
My friend since 5th grade, Samantha, and I were looking for ways to do community service in person during the pandemic and there were not a lot of options. We decided to host these events so we could create a way for others to give back and benefit the community at the same time. We called them "Hearts of Gold" days as a spin off of "Touch A Heart" (my family's charity).
How:
Pick 5-6 projects that can easily be done in under 2 hours and is simple enough for any age person who attends. Reach out to local charities to see if they need anything done for them (items organized, a collection, holiday themed items, etc.)
Work with “table leaders” in advance to come up with the idea. Or if you have the project ideas already, teach them how to run a station so they can show the volunteers on the event day.
See flyers below for the projects we did.
Create a table sign for each station with detailed instructions.
Find a location that can accommodate all of the volunteers and has shelter if needed. Look into public parks. South County Park in Boca Raton has group pavilions that you can rent out https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/Picnic-Pavilion-Rental.aspx
If you host in your backyard, make sure you have enough 6 foot tables and chairs. We use 1-3 tables per project.
Let volunteers know in advance that you will be collecting something (food to fill pantries, socks for the homeless, sports equipment, books, etc).
Put out supplies:
Instructions for each table-put in acrylic picture frames
Plastic table cloths (tape down or buy fitted ones on Amazon)
Tables & chairs
Lots of big garbages (disposable trash cans from Party City are easy to use)
Waters and snacks for volunteers
Supplies for each project. (examples: wipes, scissors, glue, paper, markers, etc)
Take pictures and have fun!
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