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Looking for a fun way to get your family, or youth group, to serve others this Fall? Check out this fall service tic-tac-toe printable and make it a competition!
Fall is a great time to think about serving others. School has started, vacations are slowing down, and everyone is getting back into a routine. Make service a part of your weekly routine, to truly make a difference in the lives of others.
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”― Shannon L. Alder
By serving other people, you are letting them know that they are not alone. It reassures them that there is good in this world, and that God is looking out for them. By serving other people, we, in return, become closer to God.
We’ve created a simple tic-tac-toe game for you to play with your friends and family, to get you out and serving other people, in a fun and competitive way. This game also teaches teamwork, and gives your family or friends a chance to spend time together, while doing good in the world.
Here are the instructions for the game: Divide into two groups, or find another family, or youth group, to compete against. One team picks a project, and then marks it off after it is finished, and then the other team picks a project, and marks it off after it is finished. The first team to get three-in-a-row wins! You may want to set a time limit, like maybe 2-4 hours for each service, or even 24 hours, you decide. Have fun and let the service begin…
Check out this FREE Fall Service Tic-Tac-Toe printable:
This post is all about fall service ideas, using a simple, but fun, tic-tac-toe game.
1. Bake a Treat
Bake a treat for someone else. This is one of the simplest ways to show someone that you care about them, that you are thinking about them, and that you are there for them. Need ideas for some delicious fall goodies? Check out this post HERE for some yummy fall treat ideas. If you aren’t great at baking, then you’ll still get “brownie points” for buying a sweet treat to deliver to someone.
2. Write a Letter.
Send a letter/card to someone. Everyone loves to get a letter in the mail. Decorate a cute card, or write on a blank piece of paper, and send it off, to make someone feel appreciated. This stationary below is beautiful and comes with matching envelopes and stickers to seal the envelopes shut. This is a relaxing, and simple way to make a difference in someone else’s life, while also taking time to slow down a little while you sit, think, and write.
3. Go on a Thankful Nature Walk
Walk around your neighborhood, or somewhere else, and take time to appreciate the beauty all around you. If you see anyone in need of service, on your walk, give them a hand, or pick up any trash that you see. You may even want to bring gloves and a garbage bag. Give a silent prayer of gratitude while you are walking. Nature combined with service, is good for the soul!
4. Donate Items No Longer Needed
Donate old toys or clothes that don’t fit. This is a great way to clean out your house a little, while also donating to a good cause. Check out THIS LINK for great ideas on where to donate your items that you no longer need, or feel free to donate them to another household. If you live near a Deseret Industries, that is another great option of where to donate, and it is so simple! You simply drive up to their drop off zone, and they have people there that will unload your car for you. They turn around and sell all the items at an extremely discounted price, which is great for the community.
5. Chalk Someone’s Driveway
Grab some sidewalk chalk and fill up someone’s driveway and/or sidewalk with fun messages or pictures. Try to do it without getting caught! My kids love to do this for holidays, or birthdays, or anniversaries of our neighbors. But it’s also great to get a fun message from someone else, just because they are thinking about you. Are you a terrible artist like me? Then look up a simple picture on-line and try and copy their design. It works for me!
6. Make a Phone Call
Call a family member you haven’t talked to for awhile. It is fun to hear from family members and catch up on what is happening in their lives. It’s also a great way to teach phone etiquette to younger children, giving each family member a chance to say hello and engage in meaningful conversation with the other person. Your family members will appreciate the phone call. Remember that it doesn’t have to be too long of a call, just sincere.
7. Make a Craft
Make a craft to give to someone else. An simple example of a craft would be a fall bookmark using leaves. It’s time to get out the glue and/or tape and get creative. THIS POST is a cute and simple example of one way to make a bookmark using leaves. Having trouble finding leaves? Go ahead and draw leaves on your bookmark, and then give it away to a friend or neighbor. You can also make cute designs from the leaves. Get creative!
8. Visit the Elderly
Visit an Elderly Neighbor or Assisted Living home. Many elderly people live by themselves, and are, therefore, very lonely. It is such a wonderful service to show up at someone’s door just to talk and listen to them. If you don’t know your elderly neighbors, go introduce yourself, or contact an assisted living center or nursing home near you and find out if they are accepting visitors. You will brighten someone’s day, just by showing up. While you are there, you may notice other services that can be done for them. Don’t hesitate to jump in and help.
9. Rake Leaves for a Neighbor
Raking the leaves is the service that most people think of when they think of serving someone in the fall. Raking is such a simple service to do for someone, that makes a big difference. Just grab a rake, some gloves, and a big bag, and then start raking. If you are having trouble finding somewhere in your area to rake leaves, you could also help someone clean up their garden, or their yard. If you’ve got kids with you, be sure and make a huge pile of leaves to jump in! Teach them that service can be fun, while also creating lifetime memories. It may take a little longer, but remember to find joy in the journey.
These simple acts of service might not seem like much to you, but to someone else, they can mean the world. It may require that you step out of your comfort zone a little, to accomplish some of these service projects, but that is what helps us to grow as individuals. Also, consider the effect that serving others will have on your children. Check out THIS post to better understand the Life-Changing Benefits of Youth Volunteering
As religious philosopher Albert Schweitzer said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” This is a beautiful quote full of truth. We are all on this earth together, going through this journey, and we need to help each other along the way.
What are some fall service projects that your family loves to do? Let us know in the comments, and let’s serve!
This post was all about fall service ideas, using a simple, but fun fall service tic-tac-toe game.