Sophomore and senior Fullerton FFA members get ready to hand out mini candy canes and read holiday stories to elementary students. Photo courtesy of Josie Loseke.
’Tis the season for giving, and every December, Fullerton FFA finds clever ways to spread joy in its Nebraska community. From filling goodie bags for police and fire departments to making fleece blankets for local animal shelters and more, this chapter goes above and beyond to spread kindness during the holiday season.
“Our chapter implements the FFA motto of “Living to Serve” in multiple ways during our Holiday Festivities event we put on in December,” says Fullerton FFA advisor Josie Loseke. “We love to continue this tradition because it helps brighten up our school and community. The holidays can be tough for families for various reasons, so being able to give back not only allows our members to get some community service hours, but also helps them recognize the positive impact it can have on a community.”
If you’re looking to make a difference, consider these tips to create a festive and meaningful feel this time of year.
1. Keep it simple.
“We do one activity per day, and all the ideas are created by our officer team based on what they have seen or heard around our community,” Loseke says. “Many activities don’t take up a full day of school — you may be able to complete them within a class period or two with some planning.”
2. Meet needs in your community.
When brainstorming ideas of ways to serve, start close to home. For example, is there a specific need in your area, such as a food bank that needs volunteers? Is there a local hospital or nursing home where your chapter could sing carols to lighten the mood and spread cheer?
3. The more, the merrier!
Last year, Fullerton FFA held a community-wide Candy-Grams fundraiser that invited individuals to purchase candy canes and write personalized messages. These were delivered to students, teachers and staff members before their school’s winter break.
“Doing [this fundraiser], reading stories to elementary students and having fun holiday-themed dress-up days gets the whole school involved to celebrate and participate in the festivities,” Loseke says.
4. Put your talents to work.
Find a way to share your passions and interests with others. If you enjoy baking, host a cookie–baking event and deliver cookies to someone in need to brighten their day. Are you a math or reading scholar? Offer to tutor younger students in subjects where you excel. Are you a pro at wrapping gifts? Provide a free gift-wrapping service to your community.
Freshmen Fullerton FFA members cut and tie fleece blankets that will be be donated to their local veterinary clinic. Photo courtesy of Josie Loseke.
5. Spread joy to children.
Small acts of kindness go a long way with young kids. Host a toy drive for local families in need, or volunteer to read holiday stories and pass out candy canes at elementary schools.
6. Remember our service members.
Many U.S. military personnel have to spend this time of year away from home and their friends and family. Consider filling care packages for deployed service members, or thank local veterans with a gift card for a meal at a local restaurant.
7. Spread warmth.
Host a winter coat drive and collect jackets, hats, gloves and mittens for those in need in your community. You won’t just warm their bodies — you’ll warm their hearts as well.
Your Turn!
Serving others starts with identifying a need, then creating a game plan to address it. Find inspiration for your next project by exploring grant opportunities, types of service activities and success stories.
The National FFA Living to Serve platform is sponsored by Cargill, Tractor Supply Co., CoBank, Ardent Mills, Corteva Agriscience, Elanco, Valent and Wilbur-Ellis.
