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Bring Smiles and Hope to Your Community

Simple Ways to Volunteer from Home

By Lisa Daniell, Volunteer Resource Center Director, TrueNorth Community Services May 6, 2020

Join the Volunteer Resource Center of Newaygo County as we offer remote opportunities for youth to get involved with the community!  Here are just a few ways kids (and their families) can make a difference in their local communities without venturing far from home and while continuing to maintain safe social distancing.  


Be Fearless Be Kind: Join the Be Fearless Be Kind Pledge. Join others as you stand up to make a difference for others. Once the pledge is signed take action and do service for others. Learn more here.

Chalk the Town: Grab your sidewalk chalk and create masterpieces! Write positive sayings and/or draw colorful pictures on the sidewalks in your neighborhood. Share messages of hope and positivity to lift the spirits of others.

No chalk? Try this 3 ingredient recipe:



Join a Rainbow Hunt:Decorate your front window or front door with your interpretation of a rainbow. This encourages youth to go on ‘rainbow hunts’ to find all the rainbows of positivity in their neighborhood. 

Learn to Crochet or Knit:Utilize video tutorials to learn how to crochet or knit. Tackle a beginner project and make a hat or scarf for someone in need. Once safe, items can be donated to TrueNorth Community Services for distribution. 

Make Animal Toys:Repurpose old items to create toys for animals. Do an internet search for DIY animal toys for step-by-step tutorials you can follow. Once safe, toys can be donated to the local animal shelters/rescues. 

Make Friendship Bracelets:Spread the gift of friendship by making bracelets to give to your friends. Friendship bracelets are a great way to show you care about others.

Make Reusable Bags:Help the environment by reducing the amount of plastic bags you and your family use. Take an old t-shirt and follow the step by step directions to create a bag. Utilize your t-shirt bag whenever and wherever you can! Find step by step directions here.

Rake Yards:Grab a rake and tackle some spring clean up. Keep in mind neighbors who might need your help with their yard.

Send a Note:Take the time to write a note to others to let them know you are thinking of them. Notes, pictures or cards could be sent to a loved one, those serving in the military or our local seniors. If you don’t have a specific person to send to, completed items can be sent to TrueNorth Community Services, ℅ Lisa Daniell, 6308 S. Warner, Fremont MI 49412 and then TrueNorth will mail them out.

Show your Gratitude:Our medical personnel have been working tirelessly through this pandemic. Show your support by placing a large cut out heart on your mailbox or in your front window. Text family and friends who are health care workers and thank them. Put a yard sign up to say ‘Thanks’ and show your support. 





Have other ideas that aren’t listed? Contact Volunteer Resource Center Director Lisa Daniell at (231) 924-0641 ext 110 or ldaniell@truenorthservices.org to discuss further.

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