Turn Spring Break Crafts into Special Donations

Spring break from Orlando private schools can be a fantastic time to break out the crafts and create special masterpieces for different Catholic charities throughout Central Florida. Practicing stewardship models Christian behavior all year, but the idea of working with your hands during Lent adds a special touch that the recipients will truly appreciate. For ideas, we’ve compiled a list of activities.

• Hats, booties, or sweaters for new mothers: Catholic charities for children and mothers accept these homemade gifts as well as gently used toys and clothes. Clean out closets to fill a few boxes, and teach your children a few simple stitches for knitting and crocheting. Many craft stores have guides and patterns available, and the Internet is always a great source for finding unique craft ideas.
• Blankets are fun to make with felt material: The edges do not fray – simply cut into the material to create “fringe,” and tie a knot in each cut.
• Homemade dolls: These can provide companionship to a homeless child. With a sock as the head and body, sew on button eyes and add a felt mouth before stuffing the inside with soft filling. Cut the base of the sock vertically to create legs and sew them together to close the sock. Create a few simple felt outfits by gluing or sewing a simple front and back pattern of a shirt and shorts or a skirt. Make a whole community of these cuties to donate to a homeless shelter.
• Doggie bandanas: These can be created with some inexpensive material and can be cut out large enough to fit around the necks of dogs. Write “Adopt Me!,” “I Love You,” or any other phrase you believe will help the dog be adopted. When the fabric paint or marker ink is dry, drop off your bandanas at a local animal shelter and spend a little time visiting the dogs. Volunteers are always needed to walk and play with shelter canines.

Choose one day to create a different craft every hour or so with your Orlando private school student, or dedicate a few hours each day of spring break to a new craft. Learn about the charities as you complete your homemade goodies by visiting the Diocese of Orlando’s website, or call the Diocese at 407-246-4903 for more information. Our blogs provide other ideas on how to share faith throughout your community.