Staycations with a community twist

Spring break looking a little different this year? Consider a give-back family staycation instead with tips from our Community Involvement team.

February 25, 2021
Thumbnail
Share

Not so long ago, the mention of spring break would have us humming “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s while searching for flights to somewhere sunny. But — and this is certainly an understatement — circumstances have changed, and it’s no longer feasible to jet off to points unknown without considering quarantines, social distancing, and tight finances. Perhaps more importantly, though, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift for many Americans: We’re reassessing our priorities and values, and most of us are thinking more about how we can support our communities.

If you’ve been yearning to deepen your community footprint, why not flip the script and plan a give-back family staycation for spring break? The importance of investing in your community is a lesson we especially want to teach our kids this year, and they’ll learn that helping others feels good, too. Tie in some local meals and nearby interesting attractions, and you have a spring break that’s fit for the family scrapbook. We’ve put together some ideas from insights gleaned in our Community Involvement work.

Take a tour. This may be tougher to do with social distancing, but if there is an organization that your family is particularly interested in, call and see if you could take a tour, cook a meal, or volunteer as a family.

Organize a drive. One project that is completely flexible in its scope and purpose is a food or supply donation. Your family could shop with some of the money you’re saving by not taking a vacation or take some time to collect items from friends. You could even start a friendly competition and see which family member can collect the most donations! Whether you collect nonperishables for your local food bank, baby shower items for Head Start, or paper products, personal hygiene items, or cleaning or school supplies for any number of organizations, you can bet there is a need, and your efforts will be appreciated. Don’t forget the women’s and homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or even our beloved animals. Identify which organization or organizations your family would like to benefit and locate their online wish list, so you know what they need,

Host a (virtual) give-back party or play date. This is a variation of a drive, only there’s a party or play date involved! Organize a virtual get-together for your kiddos and their friends, and coordinate donations with their parents. Arrange to pick up something from each guest, purchased from your favorite nonprofit’s wish list. Your kids can discuss their contributions and learn more about the organization they impacted at the festivities, and everyone will feel great knowing that they made a difference. 

Clean out to help out. If your spring break typically involves some spring cleaning, why not gather for a cause? Cleaning out closets isn’t such a chore when you’re sorting to specifically donate with an organization in mind. Warm coats and clothes, toys, bedding, and blankets can all be donated to nonprofits. Donate books to your local Little Free Library, or start your own!

Take it outside. While many nonprofits are restricting inside volunteers, they may appreciate help outdoors with vehicle and grounds cleanup, weather permitting. Don’t forget to check with your church for a list of tasks that need completed. Or, volunteer to help an elderly neighbor with garage cleaning, errands, or odd jobs.

Craft for a cause. Make or build something as a family for an organization with a need. For example, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is just one nonprofit who is collecting handmade winter clothing items — hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Kid-sized handmade blankets are welcomed by many organizations. Birdhouses and/or birdfeeders can be paired with birdseed and dropped off for the residents at local care facilities. Handmade toys and doll furniture can be taken to the local women’s shelters (you’ll want to check for any specifications first). No-sew dog toys may be a great addition to a pet shelter or rescue organization, and most senior care facilities would love beautiful handmade notecards for the residents to use.

Build blessing bags. Fill individual plastic or reusable grocery bags with toiletries and grooming items, snack bars, new socks, a bottle of water, and a note of encouragement. Take finished bags to a nonprofit that does homeless outreach or take them to a local shelter.

Write a letter. Write letters to care facility residents, community heroes, or our troops. The great thing about this activity is it can be done by all ages, and you don’t have to look far to find folks who would be grateful to receive mail!

Round it out. Now that you know the high point of your staycation, you just need to fill in a few details. Plan for meals and fun activities that are also community-centered. Treating yourselves to dinner out? Plan to dine local. Better yet, purchase Scrip (gift cards that give back) and use that to pay for your local meal so your church, school, or other nonprofit benefits, as well as the restaurant — it’s like a double-whammy dine and give back night. Heading out after giving back? Visit a newly reopened area attraction, or even plan an outing that’s an hour or two away — what a great payoff for your teamwork! For evening entertainment, look at area live (or live online) productions. Or, stay in the giving spirit and work Free Rice into game night.

These are just a few ideas to get you started with planning a give-back staycation. Our community is loaded with fantastic charitable organizations, and learning about their needs is easier than ever. You never know, your family may uncover a heart for a new cause. Regardless of your exact method or mission, we know that you will craft an un-trip to remember!

  • Personal
  • Community Commitment
  • Community Commitment

Learning Center articles, guides, blogs, podcasts, and videos are for informational purposes only and are not an advertisement for a product or service. The accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your own tax, legal, and financial advisors.