13 Simple Service Suggestions

Service ideas don’t always need to be done on a large scale to make a difference. Consider some of these ideas this month.

• Write a letter of thanks to your parents or a teacher at school or at church.

• Surprise your parents by washing the dishes, vacuuming, or doing other chores even when it’s not your turn.

• Visit senior citizens at a nursing home.

• Sit with someone new at school or in class at church.

• Send a thank-you note to one of your leaders after an especially meaningful lesson or activity.

• Start a book club in your area. Or help teach siblings or other children how to read.

• Teach a friend how to make a friendship bracelet (or teach some other skill you have).

• Wake up early and secretly wash your family’s car.

• Volunteer at a local animal shelter.

• Brighten someone’s day with a smile.

• Share your copy of the New Era with a friend who does not subscribe to it.

• Offer to cook dinner for your family or a neighbor one night.

• Pick up trash in your neighborhood, such as at school or in a park.

Worldwide Humanitarian Relief Programs

Sometimes people might have the impression that the Church and its members serve only other Church members. They might ask, “What does the Church do for people who are not Latter-day Saints?”

The answer is that Church members all over the world regularly engage in service, both individually and in groups, for both Latter-day Saints and those who are not Church members. One might clean up after an earthquake, another might donate or serve food at a homeless shelter, or a youth group might offer to paint picnic tables at a park. As you serve in your community, you help others see that Church members give service to people of all backgrounds.

For years the Church has administered a huge worldwide humanitarian relief program providing disaster relief (in 2010, it aided people affected by 119 disasters in 58 countries), as well as other humanitarian efforts, including bringing clean water systems to communities, teaching about newborn healthcare, establishing vision care programs, providing wheelchairs, offering training for improved food production, and funding immunizations worldwide. These services are given without regard to the religion of the recipients, because we believe Heavenly Father loves all His children and wants us to serve them all.

For humanitarian service ideas, go to lds.org/service/humanitarian/help.