Maryland Associationof Student Councils
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Links on this page are to outside sources. Please note that MASC has no ownership or control of outside resources.From sipping hot cocoa & ice skating to curling up by the fire & watching beloved holiday movies, many of us cherish the season’s festive spirit. It’s also the perfect time to spread cheer and make a meaningful impact in your community. This holiday season, get involved in service projects like a toy drive, adopting a family, or writing holiday cards for seniors. You can host festive events like breakfast with Santa or a Christmas fair to bring joy and support local causes. Your efforts will spread warmth, kindness, and cheer to those in need. Check out our resources below to help make your holiday project a success!
Toy Drive: Bring Joy to Children This Holiday Season!
Organizing a holiday toy drive is a meaningful way to spread cheer and brighten the season for children in need. If you’re working with your student government or community group, follow these steps to make your toy drive a success:
1, Set Up Collection Points: Place bins at accessible locations such as schools, businesses, community centers, or churches. Clearly label them and keep them in high-traffic areas.
2. Spread the Word: Use flyers, posters, and social media to promote the toy drive. Be sure to include key details like the types of toys needed, collection locations, and the deadline for donations.
3. Partner with Local Organizations: Work with groups like Toys for Tots, local elementary schools, or churches to distribute the toys to children in need.
4. Host a Sorting and Wrapping Party: If the toys need to be wrapped, gather volunteers to help sort, wrap, and prepare the gifts for delivery. Make it a fun and festive event with music and snacks!
By taking part in this project, you can bring smiles to countless children and remind them they are valued, cared for, and loved. Check out the resources below for tips and tools to help you organize a successful toy drive in your community!
Home – Toys for Tots
How to Organize a Successful Holiday Toy Drive in 7 Steps | DoJiggy
10 Best Toy Drive Programs To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone
Adopt a Family: Make the holidays magical for a family in need!
Many organizations, schools, and shelters offer programs where you can “adopt” a family or child during the holidays. A great organization to partner with is the Salvation Army, which works with Walmart to set up Angel Trees at local stores. Through these trees, you can select a family in need and receive information about their holiday wishes, including sizes, favorite colors, and essential items. Another effective way to approach this project is by adopting a family as a group or club. You can pick a card from the Angel Tree and create a sign-up list for club members to donate one or more items. To make it more engaging, you could divide members into teams, each responsible for a different family, and even offer a holiday prize as an incentive!
This project offers struggling families the support and warmth of the community during the holiday season. Check out the resources below to learn more about how you can help!
Adopt a Family for Christmas – How to Give Back This Holiday Season
Angel Tree Program – Central Maryland Area Command
Writing Holiday Cards for the Elderly
The holidays can be a lonely time for elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. One simple yet impactful way to brighten their season is by writing holiday cards. Start by gathering supplies such as holiday cards, craft materials, and pens for a creative card-making session. Host card-making sessions during student government meetings or even during a general assembly! Encourage participants to personalize their messages with warm, encouraging notes filled with holiday cheer, along with drawings, stickers, or festive designs to add an extra touch of joy. Finally, coordinate with local nursing homes or assisted living facilities to ensure the cards are delivered safely.
Check out the resource below on how to successfully implement a holiday card campaign!
How to Make Cards for Seniors & Nursing Home Residents – Little Red Window
Christmas-Themed Community Events – Bring your community together with festive celebrations that give back!
1. Breakfast with Santa: Host a pancake breakfast where families can meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy holiday activities. Charge a small fee or collect donations to fund local charities or service projects and include craft stations, cookie decorating, or a toy collection point.
2. Christmas Fair: Set up booths for games, crafts, and holiday-themed vendors. Include a raffle or silent auction with proceeds going to a local cause. Offer activities like ornament making, gingerbread decorating, and festive music performances.
3. Holiday Movie Night: Host an outdoor or indoor screening of a classic holiday movie. Provide hot cocoa and popcorn for attendees. Collect donations of toys, food, or funds as admission to support a local charity/organization!
These events foster community spirit and create opportunities to give back while enjoying the holiday season. Check out the resources below on how to implement a holiday fair in your community!
A guide to PTA Events: Our Top Christmas Fair ideas 2024
Your Survival Guide to Planning a Community Christmas Festival – Purplepass
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the profound impact that gratitude can have on our lives and our communities. Thanksgiving is not just about gathering around the table; it’s an opportunity to cultivate a spirit of giving. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply sharing kindness, each act of generosity helps strengthen our community bonds and fosters a culture of compassion. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate not only what we have but also the joy of sharing it with others. Explore our service ideas to help you embrace the spirit of giving this season!
Canned Food Drives and Meal Kits – This Thanksgiving, think about how you can support your local community by donating or serving food. Team up with your student government to organize a campaign focused on collecting canned foods for those in need. To encourage participation, consider a friendly competition among classes to see which can donate the most food items during a canned food drive. Another option is to host a meal preparation event where student volunteers come together to package Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Collaborate with local food banks or community organizations to identify families that would benefit from your support. If time is limited for a food drive, look for volunteering opportunities at local soup kitchens or shelters to serve meals to the homeless. Every effort counts in making this giving season brighter for our community! Check out the opportunities and resources below to learn more.
Holiday Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities | Feeding America
Host a food drive with Feeding America | Feeding America
Operation Turkey | Feeding the less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day (Operation Turkey is an organization that is centered around feeding the less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day)
Homeless for the Holidays – Assemble hygiene kits for students in need through the Student Homeless Initiative Project (SHIP), which collects essential hygiene items for students in Frederick County. The collection process starts in November and runs through the end of December. If you’d like to localize this effort in your county, consider implementing your own “Homeless for the Holidays” initiative. Set up donation boxes in your school or community where people can contribute items, and then assemble care kits for distribution. Alternatively, you can directly donate items to a local organization that supports youth in your area. Every contribution helps make a difference for those in need this holiday season! Check out the link below to learn more about the “Homeless for the Holidays” initiative based in Frederick County.
Winter Warmth Drive – As November arrives and the winter chill begins to set in, many individuals in our community may struggle to stay warm. Now is the perfect time to organize a Winter Warmth Drive to collect blankets, coats, gloves, and other winter weather essentials. By partnering with local shelters and organizations, we can ensure these items reach those in need before the cold season truly takes hold.
As leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops with the fall season, there are countless ways to engage your community! From Friday Night Lights to pumpkin lattes, many of us cherish this vibrant season. But what truly enhances the fall spirit is the opportunity to give back. Embrace the season of gratitude by organizing fall community events and volunteer opportunities for members of your community and school. Together, we can make a difference while enjoying all that fall has to offer!
Fall Festivities
Trunk or Treat Drive-Through With your student government, organize a Trunk or Treat drive-through for your school or local community. Encourage participants to creatively decorate their car trunks with Halloween-themed decorations to create a festive atmosphere for families. Kids can dress in costumes and stroll from trunk to trunk collecting candy. This event not only fosters community spirit but also offers a fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. To increase participation, consider reaching out to local elementary schools to spread the word. You might charge an admission fee or a fee for participants to set up their cars, allowing you to generate revenue that can be donated to your student government or a charity of your choice. Check out the link below on how to host a Trunk or Treat Drive-Through.
https://totsfamily.com/how-to-organize-a-trunk-or-treat-event/
Fall Festival Another great idea is to host a fall festival to spread seasonal cheer. Your student council can collaborate with local organizations to offer a variety of activities such as fall crafts, pumpkin painting or carving, sack races, and other fun games. Partnering with local businesses can also enhance the event by adding more activities and attracting attention. Explore the links below for inspiration on organizing a fall festival, including ideas and activities you can incorporate into your event!
How to Plan an Epic Fall Festival, with 15 Event Themes, Ideas & Activities | TicketSource
Creating a Fall Festival to Remember | Fall Event Planning Tips (funcrewusa.com)
Volunteer! If hosting a Trunk or Treat or fall festival isn’t feasible, consider encouraging your student government association to volunteer at existing community events. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate your commitment to service while still contributing to local celebrations.
Cemetery Cleanup Gather a group to help clean a local cemetery, honoring the memories of those who have passed. Before organizing the cleanup, get permission from cemetery caretakers to understand the needs and the necessary supplies. This respectful activity not only enhances the appearance of the cemetery but also allows participants to pay tribute. Additionally, you can host a donation drive for flowers/wreaths so they can be placed at headstones. Check out the link below for practices on how to clean a cemetery/headstone!
Cleaning – Cemetery Conservators for United Standards (cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org)
Donate Costumes! Organize a clothing donation drive centered on collecting old Halloween costumes. By gathering gently used items, you can assist families in your community who may struggle to afford a costume. Consider marketing this initiative as a Halloween costume swap, allowing families to exchange costumes that no longer fit or are no longer needed. This idea ensures that everyone can find a costume they love, allowing them to participate in Halloween festivities without the financial burden. Check out the link below to learn how to host a Halloween Costume Swap!
How to Host a Halloween Costume Swap (greenchildmagazine.com)
As we step into September, it’s crucial to reconnect with our school environment to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year. Building a strong, supportive community begins with each of us actively engaging in service. This month also serves as an important time to remember and honor the local heroes who have made significant sacrifices. MASC encourages school and regional student councils, as well as individuals, to extend their heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated members of our community. Local heroes include healthcare professionals, teachers, neighbors who go out of their way to help others, social workers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces, among many others.
Honoring and Remembering Local Heros: On September 11th, 2001, our nation endured a tragic attack on the Twin Towers, claiming over 2,500 lives. Amid the devastation, countless first responders displayed incredible courage, risking their lives to save others. Today, we honor their sacrifice by transforming 9/11 into a day of service and unity. Whether volunteering, donating, or participating in community events, we can reimagine this day as one of hope and connection. YSA offers eleven reflections and project ideas to help us engage in meaningful acts of service, turning remembrance into a catalyst for positive change.
Supporting Students Mental Health: The school year can be a challenging time for many students, making it essential to focus on mental health and well-being. Here are some effective ways to help students manage stress and prioritize their mental health to ensure an amazing school year:
Stress Relief Workshops: Organize workshops that teach stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Consider incorporating innovative approaches like therapy with dogs, which can provide additional relaxation and comfort.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign: Launch a campaign to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can be done through social media and by hosting a dedicated Mental Health Awareness Week at your school. During this week, you could organize events and activities focused on mental health education and support.
Podcast on Mental Health: Create a podcast featuring personal stories related to mental health. This platform will allow individuals to share their experiences, fostering understanding and empathy while providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of mental health journeys.
By implementing these initiatives, you can help create a supportive environment that encourages students to prioritize their mental health and well-being throughout the school year. Check out the links for more ideas on how you can promote mental health in your community!
49+ Best Mental Health Project Ideas for Students: Artistry for the Mind (creativeprojectideas.com)
3 Mental Health Project Ideas for Students | EVERFI
Back to School Drives: Help make a difference in students’ lives this school year! Ensure that every student starts off on the right foot by hosting a school supply drive to collect notebooks, pencils, folders, erasers, and other essential school supply items – every contribution counts! Consider reaching out to teachers at your school to see what supplies they could use in their classroom for the upcoming year (some teachers will have wish lists). Check out the links below on ongoing drives, and also how to implement a school supply drive in your community!
• How to Start a School-Supply Drive for Your Community – Backpacks USA
• How to Run a Successful School Supply Drive (betterworld.org)
• Back to School Backpack Drive (nccf-cares.org)
• Operation Backpack® – VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas
Implement a Summer Reading Program: Start or support a summer reading program for children in your community, encouraging literacy and a love for reading. Check out the link below for tips on how to implement a successful summer reading program.
• Summer Reading Programs Tips and Themes (signupgenius.com)
Clean up your school’s campus: Organize a campus beautification project by gathering volunteers to help plant, clean weeds, and pick up trash around your school. Consider helping teachers set up classrooms and create engaging bulletin boards to inspire students on the first day of school!
National Awareness Days:
National Nonprofit Day: Commemorated on August 17th, National Nonprofit Day recognizes nonprofit organizations and their ongoing efforts to serve the local community. There are several nonprofit organizations that you can support including (but not limited to) the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of America, Red Cross, UNICEF, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society*. Many of these national organizations have local chapters across MD that offer volunteer opportunities. Check out the link below for more information about National Nonprofit Day!
• NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY – August 17, 2024 – National Today
*The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is currently accepting students for the ‘24-’25 Student Visionaries of the Year program. Participants embark on a 7-week journey to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission while developing skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management. For more information visit https://www.llsstudentvisionaries.org/
Women’s Equality Day: Celebrated on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the United States. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:
• Dive into resources about the suffrage movement and the 19th amendment
• Organize screenings of films or documentaries that highlight women’s stories, contributions, and struggles for equality.
• Launch a social media campaign to share facts, quotes, and stories about women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for equality.
• Partner with local organizations that support women’s rights and equality
Check out the links below for more information about Women’s Equality Day and how to support the ongoing movement for equality.
• WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY – August 26, 2024 – National Today
• Women’s Suffrage – The U.S. Movement, Leaders & 19th Amendment | HISTORY
• 25 Organizations Fighting for Gender Equality | Human Rights Careers
Summer is the best time of the year! We enjoy going on vacations, relaxing, and spending time with friends. During this season, we celebrate an important holiday: the 4th of July! The 4th presents opportunities to both celebrate and serve the community! Remember that anyone can make a positive difference, no matter how small an action may seem.
Reflecting on History and Celebration: Take a moment during this month to explore and take a deeper dive into the history of the 4th of July. This date is important because it marks the day the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress in 1776. Beyond the celebrations, fireworks, and barbeques, the 4th of July offers an opportunity to reflect on both the triumphs and complexities of our nation’s history. By exploring various websites and watching informative videos, you can gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped our country. With the information you learned, feel free to discuss it during barbecues or any fun summer events, to inform your family about the significance of this holiday. Check out the articles below to learn more!
• What Is the 4th of July? Meaning, History and Celebrations 2024 (rd.com)
• Fourth of July – Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY
• For some Americans, July 4 is a time not to celebrate, but reflect | PBS News
• July Fourth and early Black Americans: It’s complicated | Cornell Chronicle
Celebrate Heroes: Independence Day is a perfect time to celebrate our local veterans and first responders for their incredible service and sacrifice. Whether through lively community events or appreciation meals, we can show our gratitude and let them know their efforts are deeply cherished. There are numerous ways you can show your gratitude:
— Create patriotic-themed cards and crafts: These colorful creations will bring smiles to the faces of heroes at local veterans’ homes, firefighters, police stations, and community centers. Use this opportunity as a chance to unleash your creativity while making a positive impact in your community!
— Assemble Care Packages: Fill packages with snacks, essential toiletries, and handwritten notes of appreciation for deployed service members. Partner with military support organizations to ensure that these care packages reach those who need a morale boost the most. Check out these military support organizations to see how you can help!
• Homepage – Operation Gratitude
• Care Packages – Support Our Troops
Be Prepared!: The spirit of July 4th celebrates unity and community, and being prepared for emergencies strengthens these bonds. Obtaining first aid/CPR certification not only equips us with essential skills but also fosters resilience within our neighborhoods. This July, help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer by attending or hosting training sessions in your local community to promote the learning of vital techniques to handle emergencies confidently. Check out the Red Cross website to find information for classes on first aid, CPR, and AED (offers in-person and virtual options). The Red Cross also has several resources regarding emergency preparedness.
• Red Cross Training | Take a Class | Red Cross
• How to Prepare For Emergencies | Be Red Cross Ready | Red Cross
Together let’s celebrate with peace of mind, knowing we’re prepared to keep our community safe and thriving.