Pompano Beach, FL
Contact Us By Email
(954) 968-7550

Helping the Poor

A group of people planning a charity for their team building

6 Ideas for Your Next Charity Team Building Activity

0

A group of people planning a charity for their team building

Giving back is always a satisfying activity, but it can be more fun if done in groups. So for your next team building activity, why not incorporate a bit of charity? It will not only promote camaraderie, but it will also give your team the chance to help the less fortunate.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are six charity team-building activity ideas you can check out.

End-Hunger Games

This activity draws inspiration from the Hunger Games series – minus the morbid parts, of course. It involves a series of challenges that the participants have to overcome. Each challenge won will earn them non-perishable food items.

All collected food items will then be donated to soup kitchens and food banks. Charities like these are on the frontlines of the fight against hunger in the US. And with more than half a million homeless people in the entire country, any amount of donation is a big help.

How it works:

  1. Map out the route and the stops from which your participants will compete on challenges and collect food items.
  2. Prepare the challenges for each stop. It can be a trivia question or a task they need to complete. You can also add time limits to make it more thrilling.
  3. Divide your team into different groups and provide each with instructions on how to earn food items.
  4. Once done, each group will have to build a tower or anything they can imagine from the food items they’ve collected.
  5. The most impressive construction wins. All food items from the event will then be donated to charity.

ArCANtecture

As the name suggests, cans are the star of this activity. Using canned foods, participants will showcase their creativity by building anything they can think of. It can be a sculpture, carnival game, or mini-golf hole. After the activity, all canned foods are donated to charity.

How It Works:

  1. Divide your team into groups then provide each with an equal number of canned foods.
  2. Allot a specific amount of time for each group to construct their pieces.
  3. The most impressive masterpiece wins.
An example of charity team building ideas

Dress For Success

Homeless people who are looking to reenter the workforce are mostly in need of proper work clothes. Or even just an attire presentable enough for interviews. This need is what this activity aims to fill.

Participants will create necklaces, bracelets, and other fashion accessories for the homeless. You also can up the ante and have them fashion ready-to-wear work clothes.

How It Works:

  1. Split your team into several groups.
  2. Provide them with the materials needed to create the accessories.
  3. The team with the best design and workmanship wins.
  4. All creations will be donated to a pre-identified charity or to a charitable organization chosen by the winning team.

Bikes For Charity

Bikes might be a part of your childhood, but not all children are fortunate enough to own one. Kids in less privileged neighborhoods often have to walk to school, exposed to the elements. This is why some organizations have initiated the Bikes for Charity Campaign.

How It Works:

  1. Participants will do challenges from which they will earn the materials necessary for building a bike.
  2. Once all the materials are gathered, they will assemble the bikes. They can also put their own “special touch” to it by customizing the accessories.
  3. The group with the most creative bike wins. All bikes assembled during this activity will be donated to charities helping kids from low-income families.

Snackvenger Hunt

From the popular team building game “Scavenger Hunt,” this activity involves tasks and clues. Each completed task will earn the participants a clue for the next task and snack items. They will then use these to make care packages for homeless and destitute kids.

How It Works:

  1. Divide the participants into groups and provide them with the clue to the first task.
  2. Once they’ve completed all the tasks and collected all the snack items, each group will then assemble it into kids’ snack packages.
  3. The first team to complete all packages wins. These packages can then be donated to charity, or you can join food drives in schools and low-income neighborhoods.

The Breakfast Brigade

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Yet the No Kids Hungry Campaign estimates that around 3 million kids in the US aren’t getting a healthy breakfast at school. This is why The Breakfast Brigade would make a worthwhile teambuilding activity.

How It Works:

  1. Divide the participants into teams.
  2. Give each team the materials necessary for preparing a healthy breakfast meal. It can be a granola bar or a breakfast sandwich with milk.
  3. The teams will race to make the most number of breakfast meals in the time allotted.
  4. The team that has produced the most breakfast meals wins. The ideal place to do this would be in a school cafeteria.

Remember, all these activities are just suggestions. You can always customize these to fit your objectives or just make your own. The most important thing is you have fun while helping others.

Judy-ponio-author

About The Author

is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. She loves to write about topics related to volunteering and personal fulfillment.

A group of soup kitchen volunteers encouraging each other.

Sample Notes to Thank Soup Kitchen Volunteers

, 0

A group of soup kitchen volunteers encouraging each other.

No other group of people deserves our gratitude more than volunteers. They lend their time, effort and resources to the less fortunate without expecting anything in return.

Though it’s not a paying job, it’s far from thankless. In fact, volunteers get something that no money can buy – fulfillment. The satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped change lives is worth more than any material things. (Related: Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen)

Whether you’ve received help from a volunteer or are working with one, these simple thank you notes will surely warm their hearts.

For Serving Food to the Homeless

Dear Volunteer,

The compassion you show to the people we serve is an inspiration for us all. I’ve noticed how you treat everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what the situation is. We both know how difficult it can be for the people who find themselves in need of the services we provide. Your words and actions go a long way toward helping them keep their dignity. I just want you to know that your work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Thank you for all that you do.

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you so much for helping us out at the soup kitchen. We are always in need of volunteers who are hard-working, organized and get along well with the people we serve. Every year our food lines are longer and longer as there is an increasing number of people who find themselves in need of our services. It’s only with the assistance of local volunteers such as yourself that we can rise to meet the challenge.

Keep being an inspiration.

Dear Volunteer,

Having a volunteer as you help us on weekends has been a true game-changer for our soup kitchen. Thank you so much.

Because of your assistance, we’ve had more time to focus on improving and formulating new programs for the homeless. Thank you for having such a big heart and choosing to help us! I want you to know that homeless clients express how much you’ve helped them in times of crisis. I know it’s not always an easy job to service the homeless community, but it’s so incredibly fulfilling!

We appreciate you more than words can say.

A soup kitchen volunteer serving food to the homeless.

For Sorting and Organizing Donations

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you for helping us pick up, sort, and organize all the donations we have received these past few weeks. I know it has been a lot of work, but you’ve done a wonderful job keeping the inflow and outflow running smoothly. You’re such an important part of our organization, and I hope you know that.

You are a blessing to us all!

For Providing Food Donations

Dear Volunteer

I want to thank you for your meal donations to the homeless people in our program. You’re doing more than just filling their bellies. You’re showing them that people do care, and that gives them hope. Sometimes hope is just what people need to try to change their lives.

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you so much for donating to the soup kitchen. Your support enabled us to cook up quite a feast and serve many thankful people. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated by staff, other volunteers, and diners alike.

May you continue to be blessed as you are a blessing to others.

Short and Simple Notes

You are an amazing volunteer! Thank you for everything. I just hope you continue to be so hardworking and helpful to many needy people. God bless you more each day!

Perhaps we may not have told you lately, but it’s true if we claim that every single day we are so gracious and thankful to God for having the best volunteer in town and that it’s you! Indeed, you are such a blessing from heaven. Thank you!

You may not realize this but you are the real-life Superman in the lives of all the people you have helped. Thanks for volunteering.

Every drop of your sweat will go towards building the foundation of someone else’s life. Thanks for working hard as a volunteer.

You are proof that volunteers are people who don’t want to be thanked for helping others but want to thank others for giving them the opportunity to help. May God bless you always.

For all that you have done to help make life easier for the homeless in this community, we thank you. May you be blessed a hundred-fold.

A million thanks to you! You have been a dedicated volunteer and you have shown how important it is to help others without getting paid. Thank you! We truly appreciate your kindness in so many ways. God bless you!

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

A photo of God's outstretched hand during sunset - a symbol of the difference between grace and mercy.

What Is The Difference Between Grace and Mercy?

, 0

A photo of God's outstretched hand during sunset - a symbol of the difference between grace and mercy.

Though often used interchangeably, “grace” and “mercy” differ in many ways.

In a nutshell, they are two sides of the same coin. Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.

Sounds confusing? Let’s break it down bit by bit.

In the dictionary, grace is defined as courteous goodwill. Meaning, it’s not asked for nor deserved, but is freely given. Mercy, on the other hand, is the compassion and kindness shown to someone whom it is in one’s power to punish or harm. It is an act meant to relieve someone of their suffering.

Let’s put it this way: suppose someone attempted to rob your house. You learned that the robber was just in a desperate situation and didn’t intend to do any harm at all. Instead of calling the police, you chose to pardon the thief and let the matter go – that’s mercy. Then you gave him some food and a few dollars to get him through this trying time – that’s grace.

In a world where mistakes are swiftly punished, and goodwill is only for the worthy, grace and mercy are an absolute necessity.

Grace vs. Mercy in Christianity

One of the most prominent stories in the bible is that of King David. Despite being a great ruler, he was a fornicator and an adulterer. But he is not alone. Plenty of other bible characters have done something terrible at some point in their lives. Saul was a disbeliever, Moses was a doubter, and Jacob was a cheater.

Despite this, God made them his witness and used them to accomplish His purpose. Not only did He forgive them, but He also endowed them with unmerited favor.

Like these bible characters, we are all recipients of God’s mercy and grace as well. Despite having sinned over and over again, He has shown us kindness and compassion. He even sent his only son so all of us can be saved – an act of grace that we do not deserve.

In Christian theology, grace is often classified into two types: common and saving grace. The former is universal. It’s God’s grace to all of humanity regardless of their faith in Him. Examples of common grace are the beauty of creation, the life we enjoy, and the resources we are provided.

A saving grace, meanwhile, is that which provides salvation to a person. This type of grace is manifested in Jesus Christ himself, whom He sent to save us all. (Related: 5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness)

A helping hand symbolizing acceptance of grace and mercy

Responding to Grace and Mercy

Grace and mercy are undoubtedly God’s ultimate expression of love for us. But how should we respond to this undeserved kindness? The bible teaches us of three ways: recognize, accept, and grow.

Recognize

To be able to respond to his grace and mercy fully, we must first recognize our need for such. We must humbly accept that we are all sinners and imperfect, and everything we have is thanks to Him. Let us shed our pride and shift our focus away from ourselves. Only by doing so can we acknowledge His presence in our lives and all the blessings we’ve received from Him.

Accept

He has given His grace and mercy for free, never asking anything in return. Thus, it’s only right to accept these acts of love with all our hearts. Wholehearted acceptance is the best way of showing our gratefulness for everything we’ve received.

Grow

When we accept his grace, we begin to grow in his love. In time, these seeds of love that He has planted in our hearts will take root and bear fruits. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we can then spread to the world the grace and mercy that He generously bestowed upon us.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

An illustration of Jesus hugging a lost sheep.

5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness

, 0

An illustration of Jesus hugging a lost sheep.

In the Bible, we read a lot of stories about Jesus’ ministry. He healed the sick and performed miracles. But what we often fail to see are the lessons he is trying to teach us through those acts.

Let’s not forget that Jesus is a teacher – one of the greatest there is. He used parables and stories to teach us about the kingdom of God. But his greatest method is teaching by example.

His deeds taught us about many Christian values, such as kindness and compassion. He raised children from the dead out of pity for their parents and accepted disciples from all walks of life. Most important of all, he gave up his life so all of us can be saved.

Here are five other times that Jesus taught us about kindness.

Healing the Leper

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” – Matthew 8:1-4

Because of the communicability of their disease, lepers have been considered outcasts in Jesus’ time. They lived separately and were seen as “unclean” and “untouchable”.

But Jesus, taking pity on the leper, healed him of his disease. He didn’t see the man as a leper but a human being who was sick and needed his help.

Through this, Jesus taught us that kindness should go beyond social stereotypes. We should look at where they’re coming from and understand their circumstances. Only then can we develop genuine compassion.

In the words of Mother Teresa, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them”.

Dining With a Sinner

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was. But because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:1-10

Would you be willing to dine with an ex-convict, a known sinner? Most of us would have hesitated, while others would flat out say “no.”

Zacchaeus may not be a convicted criminal but in the eyes of the Jews, he might well be. In Jesus’ time, tax collectors would often abuse their powers to line their pockets with the people’s hard-earned money.

Yet, Jesus never hesitated to dine with him. He didn’t care if others will see him associating with a sinner. He didn’t care if people will hate him for it. That is the kind of kindness that the world needs today. (Related: 50 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today)

We should stop seeing people for the wrongs they’ve committed. Instead, we should judge them on how they try to right those wrongs and turn their life around.

Preaching to the Gentiles

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:4-14

Xenophobia is one of the biggest problems the world has today. But this prejudice of foreigners has been going on even in Jesus’ time.

The Samaritan woman is a foreigner and in the eyes of a Jew, she’s a gentile. These two races don’t associate. In fact, it’s frowned upon to talk to a gentile.

Thus, by preaching to a Samaritan woman, Jesus broke societal boundaries and showed us that kindness is universal. We shouldn’t only be kind to those of our own race. Everybody deserves compassion regardless of their skin color or religious beliefs.

A glass stain illustration of Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman.

Showing Compassion to the Sick

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:40-48

In this story, Jesus could have reprimanded the woman for touching. But he didn’t. Since women didn’t have a lot of rights in those days, he could have “put her in her place.” Yet, he chose not to.

Instead, he called her daughter – a term of endearment. He understood her struggles and desperation, which led her to do what she did.

What do you think the woman felt at that moment? She was clearly scared as she was trembling. It’s possible that because of her illness, she wasn’t treated well by the people around her. But can you imagine the relief she felt when Jesus showed her kindness and compassion instead of reproach? How do you think this single act of kindness changed that woman’s life

Forgiving Those Who Hurt Him

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:47-52

In spite of his imminent death, Jesus still found it in him to heal the man who arrested him. Even while hanging on the cross, he still managed to ask his father to spare the people who’ve hurt him because they don’t know what they are doing.

Forgiving those who’ve done us wrong is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can do – not only for others but for yourself too. You give your enemies the chance to redeem themselves and yourself the opportunity to heal.

How about you? What’s the greatest lesson about kindness that you’ve learned from the bible? Tell us in the comments.

Did you like this post? Check out our piece on the Four Types of Giving According to the Bible and The Simple Formula to a Happy Life.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

Mother and son giving care packs to a family who lost their home.

50 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today

, 0

Mother and son giving care packs to a family who lost their home.

Once there was a man who was walking along a road when suddenly, robbers attacked him. They beat him so severely and left him almost lifeless. As life slowly ebbs away from him, a man passed by but did not stop. Another man saw him but chose to pass by on the other side of the road. A third man, a Samaritan, came and took pity on him. He treated and bandaged his wounds, then took him to a nearby inn to recuperate.

If you are a Christian, this story would be very familiar to you. This is the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the bible, and it teaches us three lessons:

  • kindness can save someone’s life
  • being kind is a choice
  • be kind to everyone, even strangers

Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, once said: kindness is like snow- it beautifies everything it covers.

Indeed, kindness can soften even the hardest of hearts. It might not just save someone literally but also figuratively. Many people have been saved from going down a path of destruction with a single act of kindness. It gives hope to the desperate and strength to those who struggle.

One act of kindness you can do today is give food to homeless children.

Though kindness is free, the world is still in dire need of it. So, at all times, be the good Samaritan. Choose to be kind even to the people you don’t know and without expecting anything in return.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some random acts of kindness you can do today:

  1. Encourage someone who seems down.
  2. Pick up your trash.
  3. Say “please” and “thank you” – and mean it.
  4. Volunteer or donate to the causes you believe in.
  5. Use less plastic.
  6. Don’t interrupt when someone is talking.
  7. Carry around care packs that you can give to the homeless you pass by on the street.
  8. Teach someone. We learn more when we share our knowledge to others.
  9. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you might be in a rush.
  10. Help others find the silver lining in every situation.
  11. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
  12. Never be afraid to give compliments. It can brighten someone’s day.
  13. Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
  14. Ask someone how they’re doing and listen sincerely to their response.
  15. Make someone laugh.
  16. Be kind to yourself. You deserve kindness too.
  17. Donate stuff you’re not using anymore.
  18. Say”hello” and “good morning” to people you pass by on the street.
  19. Reach out to someone who is going through a tough time. A simple note or a text message will make them feel that someone still cares.
  20. Offer a ride to the disabled.
  21. Post positive and inspirational messages in unexpected places.
  22. Think before you speak. Hurtful words, once spoken, can never be taken back.
  23. Share a great book you’ve read. Someone might enjoy it too.
  24. Help someone for free.
  25. Help an elderly person with their groceries.
  26. When in a crowded bus or train, offer your seat to pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly.
  27. Put your shopping cart back in its place.
  28. Return something you borrowed after using it.
  29. Hold the door open for someone.
  30. Tell someone the truth. It might be harsh, but they’ll thank you for it in the long run.
  31. Talk to someone new at school or work.
  32. Donate food to a soup kitchen.
  33. Turn off the faucet and unplug any devices when you’re not using it.
  34. Plant a tree.
  35. Cook extra portions of a meal and give it out to a neighbor who is in dire straits.
  36. If you received excellent customer service, don’t forget to leave a generous tip to the service crew.
  37. Post positive stuff online.
  38. Take the day not to complain.
  39. Help sick animals find homes.
  40. After a haircut, donate your hair to institutions that make wigs for cancer patients.
  41. Carry around pet food for homeless dogs and cats.
  42. Pay for a veteran’s meal. Our soldiers have done so much for our country, but most of them struggle to find jobs upon going home. A free meal can make a difference to their day.
  43. Say “I love you” to someone you love.
  44. Let people have their spotlight. If they achieved something, let them savor the moment instead of bringing up your own accomplishment.
  45. Allow someone to help you. Letting someone be kind is an act of kindness itself.
  46. Stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.
  47. Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk, and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. It makes them feel important.
  48. Give someone a chance. Sometimes it only needs an opportunity for someone to make their big break.
  49. Be a friend who listens.
  50. Be kind to someone you dislike.
Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

Celebrity rockstar Jon Bon Jovi talks about JBJ Soul Kitchen, a charity that helps feed the homeless.

Hollywood Celebrities Who Are Helping the Homeless

, , 0

Celebrity rockstar Jon Bon Jovi talks about JBJ Soul Kitchen, a charity that helps feed the homeless.

With just one TV appearance, they can already earn what a regular person makes in a year. It’s no surprise then that much is expected of celebrities in terms of charity.

Because of this expectation, almost all celebrities have done at least one charitable act in their life. Many of them made monetary donations. While others used their influence to draw attention to the causes they care about.

From human trafficking to women’s rights, these causes vary widely. In this post, we’ll highlight the Hollywood celebrities who staunchly advocate for the homeless.

Jon Bon Jovi

A rock icon, actor and philanthropist, Jon Bon Jovi was the frontman of Grammy Award-winning rock band Bon Jovi.

In 2011, he and his wife opened Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Redbank, NJ. Their mission is to allow guests the dignity of a meal without judgment or discrimination.

Five years later, the duo opened a second Soul Kitchen in Toms River, NJ. It offers a SoHo dining experience with upscale fare but with no prices listed on the menu. Aside from food, the place also provides homeless people with job training and resources to get back on their feet.

What sets this restaurant apart is its “Pay It Forward” model. Diners can earn their meals by volunteering at the restaurant. They also welcome paying customers who can buy a Pay It Forward certificate for only $20. The amount collected is used to defray the cost of the next person’s meal.

The rockstar also established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an NGO that builds affordable houses. The foundation has already built 600 housing units in 10 states. These gave shelter to thousands of people, including veterans.

Maroon 5

A Grammy Award-winning rock band, Maroon 5 makes more than just great music. They are also known to stand up for certain causes.

These past few years, the band has made various efforts to address hunger in the United States. In some of their concerts, they team up with charitable institutions to conduct food drives. During such events, fans and concert-goers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items.

In 2011, they collaborated with Snapple to create their own flavor, “Tea Will Be Loved.” All proceeds from which goes directly to Feeding America, a charity that feeds poor and homeless people across the country.

A snapshot of the Meghan Markle cookbook which proceeds will help feed homeless women.

Meghan Markle

Even before she became royalty, Meghan Markle had been involved in many charities. When she became the Duchess of Sussex, her passion for helping others intensified.

Paparazzi photos of her secretly volunteering at a soup kitchen in London were making rounds on the internet last year. This soup kitchen serves as a meeting spot for women who lost their homes. (Related: Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen)

Coming from a humble background herself, the duchess felt an instant connection with these women. Reports say that the duchess frequently visits the soup kitchen. She even published a cookbook from the recipes she cooked with the women – with the proceeds used to raise funds for the facility.

Kirk Douglas

At 103 years old, Kirk Douglas is the last surviving star of the film industry’s Golden Age. And he certainly puts his influence to excellent use.

The retired actor is an avid supporter of different foundations and charitable organizations. Among his benefactors is the St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters. It’s an organization that supports soup kitchens, safe havens, drop-in centers, and shelters throughout the New York area.

Douglas’ most significant legacy for the homeless, however, is the annual star-studded event he holds at the Los Angeles Mission. In this Thanksgiving event, celebrities can volunteer to give food to the homeless.

He and his wife also established the Anne Douglas Center for Homeless Women. The charity helps destitute women from Los Angeles to turn their life around.

Drew and Jonathan Scott

HGTV viewers know them as “The Property Brothers” after their famous reality show. These twin brothers not only sell houses, but they also help make them for the homeless.

In 2017, they partnered with Habitat for Humanity to launch the “Home is the Key” campaign. It aims to build houses as well as raise funds and awareness about the need for affordable housing. Just last year, they helped build homes for two deserving families in Nashville.

In an interview, Jonathan revealed that ever since they sold their first house, they’ve seen what home really means to a family. They hope to build more inexpensive homes for needy families.

At the end of the day, charity boils down to passion. It doesn’t matter if you’re a celebrity or a regular person or if you’re earning millions or minimum wage. If you have the heart for helping others, that’s all that counts.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

A soup kitchen volunteer happily serving meals to the guests.

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

2

A soup kitchen volunteer happily serving meals to the guests.

A soup kitchen is one of the few places where the homeless can get a free meal without judgment or discrimination. These institutions rely solely on the generosity of the people and run on donations. As such, they always appreciate people who are willing to donate their money and time.

There are many job requirements for soup kitchen volunteers. A sincere heart for helping the poor is most important. If you’re of school age, you might want to check with the volunteer coordinator first for age requirements.

If you still have no idea where to spend your free time, here are ten reasons why volunteering at a soup kitchen is the best thing you’ll ever do.

It’s A Very Rewarding Experience

Volunteering may not make you rich, but it gives you something more valuable than money: happiness. Helping those who are in need brings that kind of satisfaction that no amount of money can buy. It helps you find that elusive feeling of peace and contentment that luxury cars and flashy gadgets can’t give.

You Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

There is nothing more precious than seeing the smiles of the people you’ve helped. Just the mere knowledge that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life is enough to lift your soul. That’s when you know that you have a purpose. It helps you understand that the work you’re doing is much more than just cooking or serving food. You are changing a life – something that is empowering and humbling at the same time.

You Meet Like-Minded People

Volunteering is more than just helping out; it’s also a chance to make friends. You meet like-minded people who share your passion for helping the poor. It’s so much easier to form connections with people who share your views and interests.

It’s More Than Just Giving Back

Helping out in a soup kitchen is more than just giving back or feeling good about yourself. Nor is it an opportunity to snap a selfie and gather more likes on social media.

Think of it as more like an opportunity to fulfill a moral obligation. As humans, it’s our responsibility to help the more vulnerable members of our society. And helping the homeless is one great way of doing that.

You Learn More About Life

Part of meeting other people is learning about their life stories. Their experiences will teach you valuable lessons that you won’t learn about in books or movies. You’ll learn more about life, relationships, forgiveness, and sacrifices, among others. These lessons help you grow and become a better person. You will be allowing yourself an opportunity to view life from the perspective of others, not just from your own ethnic or socioeconomic status.

A soup kitchen volunteer meeting people from all walks of life.

It Helps You Learn Several Life Skills

There are a lot of things you can do as a volunteer in a soup kitchen. If cooking is not your thing, you can always stack the shelves or clean the dishes. If you’re keen on details, you can do the inventories. These tasks help you hone and share skills that you can use in other aspects of your life.

You’re Setting a Good Example

If you have kids or younger siblings, chances are they look up to you as a role model. Helping the homeless helps you set a good example for them. It’s also an opportunity to teach them the importance of charity and empathy.

It’s An Opportunity for Family Bonding

Forget about Disneyland or expensive holiday trips to Europe. Volunteering at a soup kitchen can be just as fun for the whole family.

There are a lot of tasks in a soup kitchen that even young children can do. They can hand out napkins or help in assembling take out bags.

More than helping the homeless, you are molding your children to become responsible citizens and great human beings.

It Builds Personal Relationships

Volunteering at a soup kitchen teaches you to drop your prejudices and stereotypes. Instead, you learn to embrace people as they are and understand where they are coming from. You learn to sympathize with their sorrows and celebrate in their victories. This, in turn, helps you build stronger and better personal relationships.

You Learn to Appreciate Your Blessings

Helping the poor and needy helps put things into perspective. When you see people who are happy despite their dreary situations, you’ll realize that your problems are nothing compared to theirs. You start to appreciate the roof over your head, your job, your family, and the fact that you can eat whenever you want to. You learn to be thankful instead of being resentful.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

A homeless charity volunteer is enjoying serving food to the homeless people.

What is a Soup Kitchen? The Complete Answer

, , 0

A homeless person getting free food at a soup kitchen.

By definition, a soup kitchen is a place where free food is served to the homeless and destitute. In reality, however, soup kitchens are so much more than that.

What Does a Soup Kitchen Do?

A familiar feeling among homeless people is hopelessness. And we cannot blame them. When you have lost everything (your house, friends, and family), it’s inevitable to feel such desperation. Every single day, they have to keep fighting to survive. And every single day, they sink deeper into the quagmire of self-pity and desolation.

Soup kitchens have become a place of refuge for those less fortunate souls. It gives them hope that all is not lost and there are still people who care for them. In these havens, they are not judged, discriminated, or made to feel like they’re worthless. They are cared for and treated as equals.

Aside from free food, most soup kitchens also provide other necessities such as clothing and hygiene kits. Though some soup kitchens only serve soup and bread, others serve a freshly-cooked full course meal. They also provide a take out bag with a sandwich and other goodies.

The most important thing a soup kitchen does, however, is providing the homeless with a sense of belonging. For someone who doesn’t have a place of their own, this is a big deal, particularly during special occasions.

How Do Soup Kitchens Help the Community?

Throughout history and in most cultures, the sharing of food to the less fortunate is a common practice. Society has always felt a moral obligation to help its most vulnerable members.

This is how soup kitchens help the community. They provide a venue for those with resources to share their blessings to people who are in dire need of it.

Not only does it encourage charity, but it also brings the community together. It helps break societal boundaries as rich and poor, young and old gather together to share a meal. More importantly, it teaches young children the importance of empathy.

Someone giving an apple to a homeless child.

Where Do Soup Kitchens Get Their Food?

Soup kitchens run on the generosity of people in the community. They rely mostly on donations from individuals and institutions who believe in their cause.

At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, for example, donors have the option to donate cash or food items. Non-perishable items like bottled water, cereals, bread, coffee, milk, and canned goods are especially needed. But you can also donate used clothes and hygiene items as these are very much useful for the homeless too.

The Difference Between Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries

Though both give out food to the homeless, soup kitchens and food pantries differ in their methods.

Food pantries give out pre-packaged food items that the recipient can eat and cook at home. This is convenient for people who live far away from these institutions. They can receive up to a week’s worth of food without having to visit the food pantries frequently.

Soup kitchens, on the other hand, give out freshly-cooked meals which can be eaten in their premises. Unlike food pantries, soup kitchens serve food to anyone who turns up with no questions asked. That is why it’s an ideal setting for the homeless and those with long-term dependence on food assistance. They are able to enjoy a hot meal in an environment free of discrimination and prejudice.

One free hot meal each day may not matter much to you but it could be a lifeline for others. Join us in helping the homeless. Donate or volunteer at soup kitchens near you. Together, we can change the world with one small act of kindness at a time.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

A portrait of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

How Mother Teresa Changed the World Through Charity

0

A portrait of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

To most people, she is a role model of charity, compassion, and selflessness. To the homeless and destitute, she is the beacon that gives hope to their desperate existence.

Dubbed as “The Living Saint,” Mother Teresa has, without a doubt, made a massive impact on many people’s lives. She inspired a lot of people and changed the world in her own way.

Her journey wasn’t easy, though. She was criticized and humiliated, but that didn’t deter her. She continued to devote her life to caring for the sick, poor, and disadvantaged. In the process, she challenged stereotypes, broke boundaries, and taught us the true essence of charity.

Leaving Behind a Life of Comfort

Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia to parents of Albanian descent. Her family wasn’t wealthy, but they lived comfortably.

Her mother, who was a very pious woman, would often invite the city’s destitute to dine with them. This created a profound impression on young Agnes and introduced her to the concept of charity.

She entered the convent at eighteen and became a principal at a charity school in India years later. Though far from luxurious, her life as a school principal was comfortable. But God had a different plan for her.

While on a train going to a retreat, Mother Teresa found her true calling. Armed with basic medical training, strong faith, and a great desire to make a difference, Mother Teresa hit the streets of Calcutta. She’s got only one goal: to help “the unwanted, the unloved and the uncared for.”

Out in the streets, she experienced poverty firsthand. She saw the horrors that street dwellers have to face every single day.

She could have chosen to ignore her calling, but she didn’t. Her decision to exchange a life of comfort with that of poverty earned her the world’s admiration. This act of hers showed the world that material things won’t bring happiness as much as helping others.

A Genuine Desire to Serve The Poor

Many of us dreamed of changing the world, but only very few chose to act on it. And fewer still did it as bravely as this humble woman from Calcutta.

Her genuine desire to serve the poor is what propelled her to pursue this path. If you look at all her humanitarian efforts, her motivations are clear as day. She set up soup kitchens, a leper colony, orphanages, and a home for the dying destitute.

She treated the lepers, educated the poorest of the poor, and fed the homeless. She treated them like her family. All the criticisms and sly comments against her did nothing to extinguish the passion in her heart.

This selfless dedication flamed the fans of charitable awareness around the world. Many were inspired and joined Mother Teresa in her mission.

Someone giving flowers to another who is of a different religion, a depiction of universal love.

Universal Love

Aside from her passion for serving the poor, Mother Teresa also inspired us by showing what universal love means.

She didn’t care if someone was white, black, brown, yellow, young, old, male or female. In the summer of 1982, she even secretly went to Beirut, Lebanon. There she helped both Christian and Muslim children.

At a time when people with HIV/AIDS were looked down on, her universal love lifted them up. She set up Gift of Love, a home that cares for those infected with the disease.

She was even quoted saying:

“When you judge someone, you have no time to love them.”

Universal love became one of the core principles of The Missionaries of Charity, an organization she founded that now has members all over the world.

Help Us Help The Homeless

Like Mother Teresa, we believe that true fulfillment comes not from material things but in helping others.

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has been serving the homeless in South Florida for over 30 years. We provide them a hot meal in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.

You can join our cause too! Donate cash online through our website or drop off food items at our place in Pompano Beach, Florida. We are especially in need of bottled water, food, coffee, milk, and men’s clothing. We welcome volunteers too. Contact us if you’d like to give a hand.

Franchette Agatha Author

About The Author

As a nurse, wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. Her writing reflects her Christian upbringing.

A girl sincerely praying for the homeless.

Praying for the Homeless

, 0

A girl sincerely praying for the homeless.

If there’s one thing that homeless people need aside from food and shelter, it’s our prayers.

Every day, they face the prospect of starvation. In winter, they also have the added burden of staying warm so as not to catch hypothermia. And there’s no one to care for them when they get sick or injured.

Living on the streets can be very dangerous too. With no safe place to lay their heads at night, they become easy targets for criminals. The Guardian recently reported that homeless people are 15 times more likely to get assaulted.

These are just some of the reasons why we need to pray for the homeless. We all know how powerful prayer can be when it comes from a sincere heart. It can create miracles.

We are undoubtedly blessed to have food on our table and a roof over our heads. It is just right to share that blessing. The least we can do is offer them a prayer.

Showing Mercy to the Homeless

Why should we show mercy to the homeless? The bible says:

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given” – Proverbs 19:17

Showing compassion to the poor, hungry, and homeless is us doing a favor for God. Helping them is our way of serving Him and thanking Him for all that He has given us.

How to Pray for the Homeless

There is no one right way of praying as long as it comes from your heart. But if you don’t know how to pray for the homeless, here’s a quick guide.

  • Pray for Resistance Against Temptation. Because of their desperate situation, homeless people are more prone to temptation. They get tempted to commit crimes or take addictive substances. Help them pray for the strength to resist such temptations.
  • Pray for Spiritual Rehabilitation. Pray that in spite of what they are going through, they remain steadfast in the Lord.
  • Pray for Friendship and Courage. Most of the time, homeless people have only themselves. Pray that they will have the courage to get them through this trying time. Pray also that they will meet a friend who will understand, support, and help them get back on their feet.
  • Pray for the Children. If homelessness is difficult for adults, then it is much more so for the children. Pray that God may always protect them and give them a much better future than the life they are living now.

Sample Prayers for the Homeless

A sample prayer for the homeless, poor and hungry.
A sample prayer for benevolence to the homeless.

Help Us Help The Homeless

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has been serving the homeless for over 30 years. We provide them a hot meal in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.

You can join our cause too! You can donate cash online or drop off food items at our place in Pompano Beach, Florida. We are especially in need of bottled water, food, coffee, milk, and men’s clothing. Visit our homepage to know more about our soup kitchen or contact us if you’d like to give a hand. We welcome volunteers too.

Judy-ponio-author

About The Author

is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. She loves to write about topics related to volunteering and personal fulfillment.

Load More

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, Inc

Blog ✦ About ✦ Gallery ✦ Donate ✦ Events ✦ Contact

501(c)(3) not for profit

© Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen 2019

View Our Privacy Policy

Website Design by Correct Digital