Service in a Box
A "Service in a Box" is a self-contained service project, usually arts and crafts. We provide a list of ideas, the list of supplies, and instructions on how to do it-- and you get supplies and create it!
Note: The CSC formerly compiled Service in a Box projects for clubs, orgs, RAs, etc. We're no longer able to provide that resource-- however, we will share our ideas here via our website if you want to set up a project on your own!
*Remember to call organizations before starting any project to be sure that they have a need for the projects you would like to do!*
Below is a table of projects, including needed materials and ideas of organizations that often benefit from them. (Remember-- you can get creative and think up a new idea!) Please let us know if you have questions or need more guidance.
Project Overview: Baby Mobiles
Summary:
The baby mobiles can be made with any theme in mind. Some past examples include different shapes, animals, or even stars and moon. They are made with a hanger and either foam or felt pieces. Other decorations can be added to the mobiles. We have donated the mobiles to different hospitals in the area, and different shelters; make some calls to find a local organization.
Materials Needed:
- Plastic hangers
- Foam pieces and/or shapes
- Felt pieces
- Glue
- Scissors
- Yarn
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Hole punch
- Stickers
- Paper templates for shape
- First, get a plastic hanger and decide on a theme for the mobile
- Then take either the felt, foam, or paper and cut out the objects to fit the theme of the mobile
- Decorate the objects as you please with the different supplies available. Remember that babies see red, black and white most clearly when they are young.
- Punch holes in each object
- Attach the objects securely with yarn, ensuring there are no objects that could come loose and become a choking hazard to small babies/children.
Agencies to call:
RAIN Project........................................ 805-388-1296
CLU Preschool...................................... 805-492-3247
Gullwings Children's Museum
................ 805-483-3005
Project Overview: Binky Patrol
Summary:
Binky Patrol is an organization that makes/collects blankets and gives them away to children (and organizations for children) in need of comfort. You can make blankets for this nonprofit to distribute where they are needed- hospitals, shelters, etc..
Time needed for project:
About 20-30 minutes per blanket (with one person per square yard)
Materials Needed:
- Fleece- 1 square yard per blanket (1 square yard per 1 or 2 people)
- Scissors
Directions:
- Take your fleece square and cut off the white border if present on the fleece (trim it neatly).
- Cut material to slightly larger than desired blanket size (for example, if it is for a baby, the blanket can be smaller)
- Cut fringe around the blanket:
- about 1 and a half inches “deep” into the piece of fabric;
each piece of fringe should be spaced about a half an inch wide. - Keep the fringe loose OR (optional)
- tie each piece of fringe into an individual knot; when they’re all tied, gently pull around the edges to separate them
- Find a box, pack it full of blankets, and mail to the local Binky Patrol chapter, which can be located using the link http://www.binkypatrol.org/ .
Project Overview: Boo Boo Bunnies
Summary:
Boo Boo bunnies are little "animals" made out of washcloths. Designed with a hole in its center, the bunny slips onto a fingertip for an instant puppet show, or you can quickly pop it over an ice cube to help soothe an unexpected bump or scratch.
These can be donated to shelters or agencies that work with family and children in Ventura and Los Angeles counties (i.e. Union Rescue Mission, Prototypes, Casa Pacifica, etc.).
Materials Needed:
- washcloths or terry cloth squares(white or colors)
- hot glue sticks and glue guns or generic craft glue
- googly eyes
- black pom pom noses
- white pom pom tails
- rubber bands
- newspaper to place under the glue guns
Directions:
1. First, place the washcloth on a tabletop and evenly roll two diagonally opposite corners toward the middle. Fold the rolled washcloth in half.
2. Fold the cloth in half a second time and wrap the rubber band around the second fold to form the bunny's head. Gently pull apart the rolled ends that extend above the rubber band so that they resemble rabbit ears.
3. Next, glue the googly eyes onto the face and the small pom-pom in place for a nose. Glue the large pom-pom onto the back of the original fold to serve as a cottony tail, and the bunny is finished.
Agencies to call:
Casa Pacifica............................................... 805-445-7800
RAIN Project .............................................
805-388-1296
Camp Ronald McDonald............................. 310-268-8488
Summary:
Create butterflies to decorate the common areas of agencies that work with people (i.e. youth, families, or senior citizens).
This project is simple enough for those who don't consider themselves artistic and creative enough for those that want to be craftsy.
Materials Needed:
- Coffee filters
- Colored tissue paper
- Black pipe cleaners
- Wooden clothespins
- Scissors (2 pair)
- Glue
- Plastic cups
- Paint brushes
- Old newspapers
Directions:
- Spread out newspapers on work area and in drying area for “butterflies.” Spread out a few coffee filters onto the work surface.
- Make a mixture of glue and water (somewhat thick) in the provided plastic cups.
- Apply small pieces of colored tissue paper to flattened coffee filters and adhere with paintbrushes using glue/water mixture. Be sure to apply enough mixture to start the color of tissue paper to bleed onto the filer, but not so much as to make the filter overly wet.
- Spread out newspapers on work area and in drying area for “butterflies.” Spread out a few coffee filters onto the work surface.
- Make a mixture of glue and water (somewhat thick) in the provided plastic cups.
- Apply small pieces of colored tissue paper to flattened coffee filters and adhere with paintbrushes using glue/water mixture. Be sure to apply enough mixture to start the color of tissue paper to bleed onto the filer, but not so much as to make the filter overly wet.
- Let the filters dry.
- Once dry, pinch/scrunch the coffee filters in half (to shape more like wings )and twist a black pipe cleaner (cut in half) around the middle to make antennae.
- Apply the clothespin in the middle to be the body.
Agencies to call:
Thousand Oaks Health Care Center..............................805-492-2444
Brighton Gardens, Camarillo..........................................805-388-8086
Casa Pacifica................................................................805-445-7800
Los Angeles Children's Hospital.....................................google their contact
And more-- get creative!
Summary:
Create flowers to decorate the common areas of agencies that work with people (i.e. youth, families, or senior citizens).
This project is simple enough for those who don't consider themselves artistic and creative enough for those that want to be craftsy.
Materials Included:
- Blank Cards and markers or other creative tools
- Tissue Paper
- Pipe Cleaners
Directions:
- Decorate a cheerful card for the residents/clients of the agency you will make the donation to.
- Take a sheet of tissue paper and cut it down to 8x10 inches; try to maximize what you can get out of one sheet of standard tissue paper. You need 4-6 pieces.
-
Put the paper in a pile and fold it like an accordion -
Tie the center of the folded paper with a green pipe cleaner (or twist tie). -
Gently pull each piece of paper towards the top center of the flower, separating each sheet of paper from the others (forming the petals of the flower).
Agencies to call:
Thousand Oaks Health Care Center..............................805-492-2444
Brighton Gardens, Camarillo..........................................805-388-8086
Casa Pacifica................................................................805-445-7800
Los Angeles Children's Hospital.....................................google their contact
And more-- get creative!
Project Overview: Holiday cards
Summary:
This service project could benefit agencies that work with youth or the elderly (i.e. Interface Agency: Children, Family Services of Ventura County or a local nursing home). You will be working to create cards for others that may find it hard to find something to be thankful for. Consider including holiday-specific stencils or shapes printed out from the internet. After your cards are complete, put them all together and deliver to the agency you made arrangements with.
*Remember to do these well in advance so there is time to deliver them before the holiday arrives.
Materials Needed
- Cardstock Cards
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
- Crayons
- Ribbon
- Stencils
- Other creative supplies
Directions:
- Make cards for your targeted age group (maybe have appropriate, funny jokes or fun drawings).
- Put some thought into what phrases you use, making sure it is encouraging and being senstitive to the population and situations of those you are making the cards for.
- Please consider delivering the cards in person if you can (and if the agency deems it appropriate)!!!
Agencies to call:
Thousand Oaks Health Care Center..............................805-492-2444
Brighton Gardens, Camarillo..........................................805-388-8086
Casa Pacifica................................................................805-445-7800
Los Angeles Children's Hospital.....................................google their contact
and more-- get creative
Project Overview: Foreign Language Flashcards
Summary:
This service project is going to benefit children in local schools or programs that are interested in learning another language. Create flashcards with the foreign language word on one side and the English translation on the other side. After your flashcards are complete, compile them and deliver them to a local school or program you have coordinated with.
Materials Needed:
- Crayons or markers
- Index Cards
- (optional) images from the internet or stencils of the wordsphrases you will make cards for
Directions:
- Choose a set of at least ten words or phrses in another language you know. Center them around a theme (numbers, general sayings, holidays, food, transportation, animals, etc.).
- One one side of the card, write the word (double-check your spelling!) in the foreign language.
- On the other side, write the English translation-- remember to write clearly and fairly large!
- Other ideas to consider incorporating:
- including images or drawings
- including pronunciation
Project Overview: Giving Back with Books
Summary:
This service project could benefit orphanages or hogars in the Latin American or Asian regions. Make basic learning books in English covering such topics as counting, the alphabet, or easy level reading. Be creative-- use clip art or other guides if you need artistic help!
Materials Included:
- Standard paper
- Construction paper
- Staplers or yarn to "bind" the books
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
- 2 spools of ribbon
- Clip art
- Crayons
Directions:
- Consider working with a partner to help make the project go a little faster.
- Decide how you want to fold and bind the books (tall and long, short and wide, boud with yarn or stapled, etc.)
- Choose a theme (letters, numbers, animals, foods, transportation, etc.); keep in mind you will need enough different phrases or words to fill the book.
- Get creative and clearly label words with big pictures (or clip art/templates).
- Finish the projects and send off to the organization you coordinated, along with a cover letter.
Agencies to call:
Orphanage Outreach.............................. google their contact information
Get creative!
Project Overview: Happy Birthday Hawaiian Style
Summary:
This service project could benefit Interface Agency: Children, Family Services of Ventura County. You will be working to create Birthday cards and candy leis for others that may find it hard to celebrate a happy birthday. After your Birthday card and lei are complete place it into the box and it will be delivered to various children in need.
Materials Included:
- Cardstock Cards
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
- Crayons
- Saran Wrap
- Candy
- Curly Ribbon
Directions:
- Tear off a 12” piece of saran wrap and cut it in half in the long direction.
- Place both pieces of saran wrap together, overlapping by about an inch at the thin ends and creating one long piece.
- Place up to 8 pieces of candy on the saran wrap and then roll it into a cylinder.
- Use curly ribbon to tie bows in between pieces of candy and to connect both ends, creating the lei.
- Create fun, age-appropriate birthday cards.
- Deliver/send the finished leis and cards in a timely manner so the candy is fresh!
Agencies to contact:
Interface Agency: Children, Family Services of Vta County........... 805-485-6114
Casa Pacifica .............................................................................. 805-445-7800
Project Overview: Meals on Wheels
Summary:
Meals on Wheels bags, once decorated, are used as a great way to brighten the days of those receiving meals on wheels. They appreciate getting a special note or touch with their lunch.
Materials Needed:
- Paper bags
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Crayons
- Pens/pencils
Directions:
- Use your own creative ideas to decorate a bag for someone receiving meals on wheels. *Please be sure to contact your local chapter to see if they have a need for this kind of project.
- You can also talk to local food banks or meal programs to see if they have a use for this kind of project!
Project Overview: Painted Blocks
Summary:
Painted Blocks can be donated to preschools, elementary schools, orphanages or low-income housing programs like the Housing Authority. They are used as a teaching too.
Materials Needed:
- Pre-made blocks from a craft store
- Sand paper (is needed)
- Pencil
- Stencils
- Paint
- Paintbrush
Directions:
- Make sure the blocks are smooth and ready for small children to play with; sand down any rough corners or edges.
- Using the stencils, pencils, paint and paintbrushes, make letters or numbers on the blocks.
Agencies to contact:
Area Housing Authority ........................................... 480-9991
Project Overview: Paper Bag Puppets
Summary:
This service project can benefit a range of programs that work with children. Get creative in making imaginative, silly puppets for the kids to play with
Materials Included:
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
- Crayons
- Paper bags
- Yarn, feathers, stickers, sequins, etc. to decorate
Directions:
- Decorate the puppets in various themes and ideas: animals, occupations, silly monsters, chracters in a story, etc.
- Decorate the front and the back if you'd like-- the sky is the limit!
- *** You MUST be sure that there are no loose decorations or choking hazards on these puppets before sending to an agency.
Agencies to contact:
LA Children's Hospital............................... google their contact information
PADRES Contra El
Cancer ...................... www.iamhope.org
Project Overview: PB&J Sandwiches
Summary:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches can be donated to shelters like Interface Women’s Shelter in Camarillo or Prototypes Women’s Shelter in Ventura. *Contact the agencies in advance, and be prepared to deliver them shortly after making them!
Materials needed:
- Plastic gloves (to maintain sanitary conditions)
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Bread
- Knives
- Plastic bags
- Napkins
Directions:
- Wash your hands and put the gloves on.
- Use the peanut butter, jelly, bread and knives to make sandwiches
- Put the finished sandwiches in plastic bags.
- Deliver the sandwiches
Agencies to contact:
Interface Agency: Children, Family Services of Vta County........... 805-485-6114
Casa Pacifica .............................................................................. 805-445-7800
Summary:
This service project could benefit the patients of a convalescent hospital or diners at a local meal program. Create cheerful or holiday-themed placemats for those persons eating at these agencies. Use templates or printouts if you need creative ideas. Check with agencies before starting to make sure they can use this type of project!
Materials needed:
- Scrap Book paper
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
Directions:
- Decorate the placemats with little jokes, positive notes, drawings, etc.
- Keep in mind to keep things 2-dimensional so that plates can sturdily rest on top of the placemats.
- Remember to write big and clearly.
Agencies to contact:
Ventura County Rescue Mission ................................... 805-486-7320
Local nursing homes like TOHCC................................. 805-492-2444
Brighton Gardens, Camarillo ........................................ 805-388-8086
Project Overview: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Summary:
This service project could benefit any number of agencies working with people around the holidays. Create holiday cards and reindeer candy canes for people to enjoy over the holiday season. Check with agencies before starting to ensure they can use these; many agencies have clients with special dietary needs.
Materials needed:
- Cardstock Cards
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Markers
- Crayons
- Clip Art
- Candy Canes
- Bobble eyes
- Red beads (nose)
- Brown pipe cleaners (antlers)
Directions:
- Create cheerful cards for the holidays- Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and other celebrations! Make them bright and fun.
- Leave the wrapping on the candy cane.
- Glue eyes on rounded face of the candy cane; glue a red pompom on the face for a nose.
- Tie ribbon into a bow on the straight part of the candy cane, below the reindeer's face.
- Cut one of the pipe cleaners in half. Wrap the full pipe cleaner around the crook of the candy cane to begin the antlers. Use the cut pipe cleaners to manipulate into antlers.
Agencies to call:
Thousand Oaks Health Care Center..............................805-492-2444
Brighton Gardens, Camarillo..........................................805-388-8086
Casa Pacifica................................................................805-445-7800
And more-- get creative
