Challenge #1: Donate Time or Items to a Food Pantry
For many of us, our times as JWs did not include much, if any, community service. We were discouraged from volunteering our time, money, or labor to "worldly" causes and were instead expected to donate only within the congregation. This means that donating food or labor to a food pantry -- a very common experience in the "world" -- was usually not something we were exposed to.
(Photo credit: FoodPantries.org)
The Challenge
1) Locate a food pantry, food bank, community kitchen, or similar resource in your community. If you're not sure where one is, use Google, consult your phone book, or try this amazing search tool. This directory will help you find larger food banks (distribution centers), but you almost certainly have a small pantry right in your town.
2) Pick out a few items from home or from the grocery store to donate to them. Not sure what to give? Here's a handy list. Tuna, peanut butter, beans, and other non-perishable protein sources are always among the best.
3) Bring your items to your local pantry to deliver them. (And maybe take a picture of your donation to share on this blog!)
4) If you're feeling really adventurous, ask if you can stay for an hour or so at the pantry to volunteer. (Hint: This is a great way to make friends!)
Expected Difficulty
This is probably a minimally-challenging activity for most, which is why we're going to start with it. Any anxiety that might arise from this challenge will probably be related to a) speaking to unknown "worldly" people at the pantry or b) having to go into a church-run pantry (if applicable).
Potential Outcomes
A feeling of good nature and accomplishment from helping others
Social interaction with "worldly" volunteers or clients at the pantry
Connection to a new resource in our larger communities
Learning that giving material things to others can be a positive experience
Getting the ball rolling for more intensive challenges in the future
Are you going to take the challenge? We hope so! If you do, be sure to let us know so we can feature your experience on our blog.