Your relationship status doesn't need to define whether or not you celebrate February 14th. No, we are not recommending planting kisses on random strangers, but serving the community is a defining characteristic of Delta Sigma Theta (and all Divine 9 sororities for that matter), and service is just putting love into action.
From simple, inexpensive ideas to larger projects that require more effort and money, here are 19 ideas to brighten your community by spreading love and kindness through community service.
- Smile. Smiling to everyone you pass can brighten up their day. It’s a small gesture with big potential for spreading happiness.
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Write a note. With a pen and paper, you can make quite the difference in the world. Some ideas of notes to write could include:
- A note of encouragement left on a random car or on a public bathroom mirror.
- A note of gratitude to a parent, teacher, or someone who has helped you.
- A note of admiration to someone you look up to.
- A note of friendship checking in on someone you haven't talked to in a while.
- A note of support for someone you know who is experiencing a tough trial.
- Leave a positive review. Small businesses thrive on word of mouth. If you want to support a local entrepreneur but can't afford to purchase something from them at the time, reviewing and sharing their social media with your own followers is free to you and priceless to them. (Buying their products or gift cards for their products can go a long way, too.)
- Give a genuine compliment. It is always nice to hear positive things. You can quickly turn someone's day around with a sincere compliment.
- Add change to an expired parking meter. You never know what is keeping someone longer than they expected, but you can almost guarantee they will be very grateful to come back to a car that does not have a ticket on the windshield.
- Leave a coupon. Stick unused coupons on the shelves at the store by the product they are for. When someone comes to buy it, they will be in for a treat.
- Put quarters near a gumball machine. The next child to approach will think they’ve struck it rich.
- Make chalk art. Write encouraging or uplifting notes on the sidewalk with some chalk. You could do it in front of your own house or by a school, nursing home, hospital, or another public place. If you plan to do it on private property make sure you get permission first.
- Yard work. If you are shoveling snow, you don't have to stop at the end of your sidewalk. Shovel the neighbor's walkway and driveway, too. The same can go for mowing your lawn or raking up your leaves.
- Donate flowers. Buy a bouquet and donate it to a local nursing home.
- Volunteer. Research organizations in your area where you can volunteer on a regular basis. Some ideas may include a food pantry, a church, a youth center, or Habitat for Humanity.
- Leave a larger than normal tip. Make your waitress’s or waiter's day by leaving a tip that equals the cost of the meal you bought.
- Give a gift. Everyone appreciates tangible evidence that they are loved–especially if it’s a gift that makes their life better or easier. Give your sorority sister a stylish Delta Sigma Theta sorority shirt. Send your parents a gift certificate. Take your neighbor some scented hand soap or lotion.
- Make a meal. If you know someone who has a lot on their plate, fix them a plate! Taking a hot meal to someone who is sick, recently had a baby, is experiencing financial troubles, or is just stressed can help them more than you realize. It can be hard for someone to ask for help, so offering proactively can help you be a blessing to them. You could say, “I’d like to bring you dinner this week. Would Wednesday or Thursday work better?”
- Become CPR certified. Learning CPR today might not feel like community service, but when the knowledge you gain is called into action, you will be ready to serve and may even save a life.
- Buy lemonade. If a kid has gone to the trouble to put up a lemonade stand, by all means stop and purchase a cup–or two!
- Plant a tree. This little act today can make a big difference tomorrow. You can beautify your surroundings and help the earth all at once. You can plant a tree in your own yard or a neighbor's yard (with permission, of course!), or you can contact your community leaders to see if there is a park or other public place where you can plant one.
- Donate items from home. By doing some decluttering around the house, you can often find items you no longer need. A little research can help you know where you can donate different items, including old blankets or sheets to an animal shelter, gently used women's and children's clothing to women's shelters, books to a new teacher, and more. A quick internet search can also help you find charities that accept old glasses or old phones.
- Use your talents. If you are a talented artist, consider selling a piece of art and anonymously donating the proceeds to a family in need. You could be creative with whatever your personal strengths are to find a way to change someone's life.
This list could go on. Don't be afraid to try something new and give back to your community. You are exactly who this world needs. Using your strengths, you can uplift someone and share the love this Valentine's Day, whether you're in love or flying solo (or anywhere in between).