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Making Life Matter, LLC
"A Kid's Guide To Random Acts of Kindness"
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Our mission here is simple...
We strongly believe in the power of kindness, gratitude, mindfulness and intention.
CHRISTMAS KINDNESS
How can you make a difference this Christmas?
Read below to find out!
HOLIDAY MEALS FOR SHELTER PETS
We love gifting homemade meals to our local animal shelters throughout the year!
Christmas Meals:
For the dogs, we use boiled chicken drizzled with chicken broth, pumpkin puree, carrots, blueberries, cranberries or strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream... topped with an assortment of dog treats. For the kitties, we use boiled chicken drizzled with chicken broth, with cat treats sprinkled on top!
SACK IT FOR SANTA
SERVICE PROJECT
There are so many ways to participate in a "Sack It For Santa" Service Project as a family!
This year, our Kindness Club opted to team up with a local non-profit who bridges the gap for youth by partnering with advocates to fulfill the unique and/or unmet needs of children and teens. Our club covered 200 art, sports and game themed gifts for local at-risk teens.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
One of our favorite, annual winter traditions!
80% of Salvation Army bell ringing funds stay local, right here in our community while the remaining 20% are given to various Salvation Army causes. Bring your family, a bluetooth speaker for Christmas music, hot cocoa, candy canes to hand out to donors and enjoy the season of giving back and volunteering as a family! We love bell ringing as a family!
DIY FAMILY
MITTEN TREE
National Mitten Tree Day is held annually on December 6th as a day to place mittens, hats, and scarves in public spaces as a way to spread warmth and kindness.
Last year, we decided to make our own Mitten Tree. Thanks to many donations from so many wonderful friends and family of ours, we were able to collect 190+ pairs of mittens and gloves. With the donations received, we were also able to purchase scarves, hats, lip balm and chocolate Santa's. We delivered our mitten tree goodies to an area shelter that specializes in assisting homeless women who are healing from childhood trauma and human trafficking.
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This is a wonderful family tradition to take part in!
BLANKET DRIVE FOR HOMELESS SHELTERS
Many people experiencing homelessness lack access to basic necessities, and blankets can make a significant difference in protecting them from cold temperatures. By donating blankets, individuals can directly improve the well-being and dignity of those in need, offering not just physical warmth but a sense of human connection and support. Many homeless shelters have blankets listed as an immediate need along with toiletries and water.
We absolutely love partnering with our area homeless shelters in finding ways our family can make an impact in area communities.
ANGEL TREE
FOR AREA YOUTH
Angel Trees are one our favorite winter service projects in our family! Angel Trees are important because they provide crucial support to children and families who are experiencing financial hardship, specifically during the holiday season. By bridging gaps for families who might otherwise go without, Angel Trees help create joyful, inclusive celebrations and strengthen the bonds within a community.
Consider adopting an angel this season!
ANGEL TREE
FOR SHELTER PETS
In addition to area youth Angel Trees, our local animal shelter has placed two Angel Trees within our community for local shelter pets!
This year, we have "adopted" two cats and one dog with wish lists containing treats, bones, beds, a heating pad, new collars, and more!
This is a fantastic service project for families!
Consider donating to your area shelters tree or pitching this idea if they do not have one!
ELF ON THE SHELF...
BUT MAKE IT KIND!
Kindness Elves were one of my favorite traditions when my daughter was young!
Kindness elves are important because they serve as gentle reminders of the power of compassion and thoughtfulness in our daily lives. They can encourage small acts of generosity, whether it’s helping someone in need, offering a kind word, or simply spreading joy through unexpected gestures. You make up the ideas... and the FUN!
FILL YOUR LOCAL
BLESSING BOX
Filling your local blessing box is a simple, yet powerful way to support neighbors in need. These pantries provide immediate access to essential food items for people facing financial hardship, food insecurity, or unexpected emergencies. By contributing, we help ensure that no one goes hungry, foster a sense of community care, and encourage a culture of sharing and compassion. Even small donations can make a big difference, showing that our community looks out for one another and strengthens the bonds that keep everyone thriving. We currently serve as our church's "blessing box custodian" alongside other community and church members and we couldn't be more proud to do so!
CLEAR A NEIGHBOR'S SNOWY DRIVEWAY
Clearing a neighbor’s snow-filled driveway is an act of kindness and community spirit. It helps prevent accidents by making the area safer for both pedestrians and vehicles. Snow removal can be physically demanding, especially for the elderly or those with health issues, so lending a hand shows care and support. Small gestures like this make a neighborhood safer, friendlier, and more connected.
FAMILY TRADITION:
THE GIVING MANGER
We love this book and winter tradition!
The Giving Manger is important because it reminds readers of the true meaning of Christmas: generosity, love, and selflessness. Through its story, it emphasizes how small acts of kindness and giving can have a profound impact on others. The book encourages reflection on our values, inspiring people to focus on compassion rather than materialism during the holiday season. It is a heartwarming reminder that the spirit of giving can bring joy not only to others but also to ourselves.
NURSING HOME STOCKINGS
Filling stockings for nursing home residents is a simple yet meaningful way to spread joy and show care to those who may feel lonely or forgotten, especially during the holiday season. This act of kindness not only lifts their spirits but also strengthens community bonds and encourages empathy across generations. This is also a wonderful act of kindness your family could engage in with veterans and group homes as well! This is always a favorite act of kindness in our family!
COMBAT THE
WINTER BLUES
Winter often brings shorter days, colder weather, and less sunlight, which can contribute to feelings of isolation, low energy, and seasonal mood changes. Prioritizing mental health during this season is essential because these challenges can affect overall well-being, productivity, and relationships. Self-care, seeking connections and professional support are all excellent ways to combat the winter blues!
HELP OUR BIRD FRIENDS THIS WINTER
Helping our backyard birds and pollinators bring us so much joy! Humans should help wild birds because they play essential roles in healthy ecosystems: pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling insect populations. By supporting them, we protect biodiversity and maintain the natural balance that benefits all life, including our own.
Using ground feeders, providing shelter and nesting materials as well as high energy seeds, suet & fruit, serving fresh water (heated if possible) are all excellent ways to assist out backyard friends this winter season!
DONATE TO YOUR ZOO'S GIVING TREE
Many zoo's have a Giving Tree in their lobby with enrichment wishes for different habitats.
These animals are very special to us. My daughter attends zoo school and her class has regular behind the scenes visits with the animals and zoo ground tours. The enrichment toys purchased are for the animals to utilize year-round Animal enrichment simply means we provide a physically and mentally stimulating environment for the animals by giving them toys and objects to keep them challenged and entertained.
HOT COCOA FOR
YOUR MAIL CARRIER
Giving hot cocoa to your mail carrier this winter is a simple but meaningful way to show appreciation for their hard work. Mail carriers brave cold, snow, and icy sidewalks to ensure your mail and packages arrive on time, often in challenging weather. A warm cup of cocoa not only provides a comforting moment in their busy day but also lets them know their efforts are noticed and valued. This small gesture of kindness can brighten their day, spread holiday cheer, and strengthen a sense of community during the chilly season.
VOLUNTEER AT YOUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY
We love volunteering at our local food pantry!
Volunteering at your food pantry is important because it directly helps individuals and families who are struggling to access enough nutritious food. By giving your time, you provide essential support to the community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to meet their basic needs. We are better when we work together as a family, and as a community!
HOST WINTER
BEACH CLEANUP
​We love participating in beach cleanups!
Winter beach cleanups are important because storms and strong tides wash up large amounts of debris, and fewer visitors in the colder months means trash often goes unnoticed and accumulates. Removing it protects marine life from entanglement and ingestion, prevents pollution from breaking down into microplastics, and keeps coastal ecosystems healthy year-round.
STRAW VS HAY
FOR STRAY ANIMALS
We have so many strays that show up at our home. We enjoy leaving out warm spaces for them to occupy while we partner with our local shelter to find them a home! Straw is a better choice than hay for helping stray animals in winter because it provides much better insulation. Its hollow, dry stems trap heat and stay warm even in freezing temperatures, while hay tends to retain moisture, making it cold and prone to mold. Using straw helps keep outdoor animals drier, warmer, and safer throughout the winter.
WINTER GRATITUDE JOURNALING
Winter gratitude journaling helps us slow down during the darker, colder months and notice the small sources of warmth and comfort we often overlook. By reflecting on what we’re thankful for, we boost our mood, build resilience against seasonal stress, and create a sense of calm and connection that carries us through the season. Gratitude journaling helps kids build a positive mindset by noticing and appreciating the good in their everyday lives.
VOLUNTEER AT A
SOUP KITCHEN
Volunteering as a family at a soup kitchen in winter is a meaningful way to support neighbors who face the harshest conditions of the year. It teaches compassion, teamwork, and gratitude, while giving your family a chance to make a real, immediate difference together. Sharing warmth, both through food and kindness, helps strengthen your community and your family bond at the same time.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES FOR LOVED ONES
Delivering Christmas cookies to friends and family is a fun, simple, heartfelt way to share joy and connection with your littles during the holiday season. A small box of homemade treats shows we’re thinking of them, brings a moment of sweetness to their day, and helps strengthen the bonds that make this time of year feel warm and meaningful.
Please enjoy these FREE RESOURCES
A big thank you to Teachers Pay Teachers!
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Shop our holiday collection that gives back!
100% of proceeds go towards Making Life Matter kindness mission initiatives.
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