After a long, cold winter, there’s nothing better than seeing the block of dates on the calendar labeled “Spring Break.” It’s an unofficial time of year when we start to hear birds chirp and open our windows to let in a breath of fresh air. Spring’s arrival is the perfect excuse for some to travel to the beach, go on a camping trip or plan a staycation in their own hometown. Regardless of where you choose to spend your spring break, it is also an excellent time of year to give back to your community through service.
“Considering a service project as a part of your spring break plans is an opportunity for FFA members to put their leadership into action in their community,” says Stefonie Sebastian, an education specialist for local engagement with the National FFA organization. “Service doesn’t have to be your only focus during your break. Whether it’s one hour, one day or one full week, you can give back in many ways.”
If you only have one hour, take a few minutes to simply walk around your neighborhood or local park to pick up trash. Schedule an hour that works for lots of FFA members in your chapter and make a game around who can pick up the most rubbish and offer prizes. If your local weather doesn’t allow for outdoor service, you can plan a reading hour at the local library or collect canned foods to fill free pantries around town.
With a little more time, you can accomplish a bigger project that might bring value to your community for years to come. If you are handy in the shop, build free pantry boxes or sidewalk libraries to place around your town. If you prefer people-focused projects, spend the day visiting senior citizens. Whether you spend that time playing games, collecting oral histories or planting container gardens, this quality time can make a big impact. Finally, if you prefer bigger projects, spring break is an ideal time to hold a specialty recycling day. Set up a station to collect electronics, or tires or household chemicals for your community waste department to recycle.
