Self Organizing - Basket of Health

Overview
This project promotes healthy eating and is a great way to bring cheer to someone in a healthcare facility, homeless shelter or senior living center.

Supporting Organizations

Nursing homes
Hospitals
Children’s homes
Homeless shelters

Materials

Basket
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc.
Plastic wrap or cellophane
Ribbon
Cards
Pens
Colored tissue paper or other fillers

Instructions

Identify a supporting organization that can verify your volunteer activities and accept your donation of baskets. Each volunteer should complete 6-8 baskets.
Think about what you want your basket arrangement to look like (http://www.marthastewart.com/article/vegetable-basket)
Fill basket with vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. that are in season and (if possible) locally grown.
Cover entire basket with plastic wrap or cellophane (http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/decorative-gift-basket/index.html)
Add ribbon to secure plastic wrap around basket.
Add a card to educate the recipient(s) about your project and identify the benefits of healthy eating.

EX: Enjoy these locally grown tomatoes! Carotenoid found in tomatoes (and everything made from them) has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties.

Deliver to designated locations.

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
Draw a picture, write a poem or create a jingle about the service activity.
Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter.
Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.