Our family group chose the service project of making utensil packets for the local soup kitchen.
We decided to make utensil packets instead of making sandwiches to allow all the kids of all ages (from toddlers to teens) to help.
As we set up the table and explained the purpose, we were so happy to see how quickly the kids sat down and immediately got to work.
They were eager to help and we put together several hundred packets. While we worked together, I explained food pantries, soup kitchens, specifically the Cathedral Kitchen where these would be going.
We discussed how lucky we were to not have to worry about our next meal, especially since we just shared a delicious meal with an abundance of food.
They were very curious about food insecurity and we had good discussions. With how well they did, we will consider making sandwiches next time!
After putting together hundreds of packets, we then moved on to the arts and crafts project which was to write letters for prison ministry.
We talked about the dignity of every person and that everyone makes mistakes and we have to accept the consequences of our actions, but that doesn’t make us ‘bad people’,
Our letters focused on hope and encouragement. We provided inspiring bible passages for the older children and also had encouraging stickers for them to decorate their letters.
I am glad we worked on these activities as a group as it became a fun, shared experience with their friends and as a community. We had very good discussions and it was a meaningful experience.
All of the kids were engaged and it was a good learning and teaching experience.
Tam Nguyen, Pharm.D., BCPS
