#Volunteering Archives

The BCC Compass – Dec 2023

If I tell you that you can change the world, would you believe me? Believe it. It’s simple but can be a challenge: it’s to choose kindness.

As the Director of Spiritual Life, I’ve challenged everyone at BCC to perform Random Acts of Kindness during the next 30 days. Intentional kindness is not only good for the spirit of the one receiving the act, but also the one performing it.

Care to join us? (the list is below)

We encourage everyone at BCC to live with Joy and Purpose. Having a purpose is the essence of humanity and it is the idea and belief that we are part of something greater than ourselves. This can manifest in many ways big and small. Just like you’ll see on the challenge list!

BCC is fortunate to have people from so many different traditions. We encourage and support everyone to live out their faith and purpose. During the Holiday season, I host an open chapel where we share holiday traditions, learn about one another’s tradition, and enjoy some festive desserts.

Challenging you to choose kindness during this holiday season – and always! Can’t wait to check as many of these challenges off my list and I hope you do the same!

Rev. Amor Del Rosario
Director of Spiritual Life, BCC Baltimore

BCC Holiday Kindness Challenge

Donate to a food bank
It’s not always easy to put food on the table. In fact, many families struggle. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 10.2% of households were food insecure in 2021 — roughly 13.5 million people. Consider donating non-perishable items to your local food bank. Or, if you can, think about making a monetary donation to help fight hunger and erase food insecurity.

Leave one-dollar bills around the dollar store (especially in the toy section)
How fun would it be to see the look on people’s faces when they discover that it seems like dollars are growing at the “dollar tree”.

Send a handwritten letter
Text messages and emails may be fast and easy, but they lack a personal touch. But receiving a handwritten letter in the mail? That’s priceless. Take the time to write out a thoughtful message to a friend or family member. You’ll be surprised how much they appreciate the effort put into it — and who knows? They just might write you back!

Volunteer your time
Sometimes the most valuable present of all is the gift of time. Your presence, whether it be with loved ones or someone in need, can go a long way toward making a tangible impact on someone’s life. Consider volunteering a few hours of your time at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

Shovel snow for a neighbor
You may not realize it, but even the smallest favors could make a big difference. Shoveling snow, for instance, is an important household chore in the winter months, but not necessarily an easy one for elderly or disabled people. Taking that burden off their shoulders is a good deed they’re sure to appreciate.

Shop at local businesses
It’s important to support small businesses, especially now that over half of consumer shopping budgets are spent online. Being the season of giving, the holidays are essential to independent stores’ overall financial well-being. Choosing to shop locally can help small businesses survive well into the future.

Participate in a toy or clothing drive
Not every child is fortunate enough to receive presents during the holiday season. And, by the same token, many people go cold during the winter chill. Fortunately, you can lend a helping hand by donating gently used toys and clothes to organizations that support these worthy causes.

Make care packages for your members of the Armed Forces serving overseas
Beef Jerky, Pringles, pillow cases, Old Bay, toiletries, are always appreciated by those who are unable to be home for the holidays.

Tape spare change to a vending machine
Imagine the disappointment you’d feel if you went to grab a snack from the vending machine only to find yourself a few nickels short of your favorite go-to treat. Luckily, you have the power to make sure that doesn’t happen. Taping change to the machine may not satisfy your hunger, but it’ll certainly bring a smile to a stranger’s face in their time of need.

Hand out compliment cards
Compliments are a great way to spread the holiday cheer, even to people you don’t know. Write down heartfelt affirmations on a notecard, then hand them out to friends, coworkers and strangers you encounter. A few words here and there could really uplift someone’s spirits.

Pick up litter alongside your street
Did you know there are nearly 50 billion pieces of litter on U.S. roadways and waterways? Unfortunately, it’s true — but, the good news is you can do something about it. Join the effort by walking your neighborhood streets and picking up litter as you go.

Let someone cut you in line
The holidays are a busy time of year, especially when you’re out shopping. Next time you’re in a store, practice patience and courtesy by allowing someone to cut ahead of you in line, especially if they have fewer items than you. Although it’s a small gesture, you never know what it might mean to someone else.

Go caroling with your neighbors
Caroling is a staple holiday pastime. Not only is it a fun and happy experience, but it’s also a chance to spread joy across your community. So, gather up your family, friends and neighbors to sing a few happy songs for those who could use it, such as people in nursing homes or hospitals.

Bake cookies for coworkers
Help your colleagues get in on the holiday spirit by baking them a tray of festive treats. Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookies — whatever the choice, they’re sure to appreciate the effort. Plus, sweets are a great way to make your workplace a warmer and friendlier environment.

Donate to charity
Consider making a charitable donation to a good cause. Do your due diligence and research a charity close to your heart. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a world of difference during the holiday season. Donating doesn’t always mean monetary, consider donating your time.

Tape Microwave Popcorn to a Red Box
Complete someone’s movie night with popcorn.

Provide a generous tip
Working in the food industry is hard work! Give an unexpected blessing to your server to show your appreciation.

Leave a bouquet of flowers on a stranger’s car, desk, porch, or just give it to them as you walk by them on the street.

Smile at 5 strangers in one day
Dolly Parton said, “If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours!”

Put together Blessing Bags and keep them in your Car.
Hand them out when you encounter someone who might need them. click here to access the Picnic Project for some ideas

Put Money in the Salvation Army bucket

Bring treats to your local fire department or the night shift at the local hospital.
Our front line workers do not get much time off. Brighten their day with a treat. The night shift gets forgotten at times.

Pass out bottles of water

Donate food, blankets, toys to your local animal shelter. If you can, volunteer to walk and pet the animals up for adoption.
So many animals need human connection and love in order to be adoptable. Consider providing some food and “practice” for these animals as they wait for their “fur-ever” home.

Carry $5 gift cards to a coffee shop or food establishment you frequent.
Rather than paying for the person in behind you in line, turn around and give it to them or give it to someone walking through the door as you leave. Your barista will thank you.

These are just some ideas to get you going. I hope you take some time to bring some kindness to those around you, especially complete strangers, you never know just how far your act of kindness could spread!

Happy Holidays!