Five Ways to Serve This Summer and Beyond

What if you could use your summer to not only soak up the sun, but to also make an eternal impact? 

Whether you have an hour or your entire summer vacation — you can impact people near you and in the toughest places. Here are five simple ways you can spend your summer serving those in need.

#1 – Serve for an hour

Service can be simple. You can often spend just an hour or two to make an impact.

Consider serving at a local food bank, shelter, or church. They are often looking for volunteers to help sort items, prepare for Sunday services, or help them finish special projects. 

You can even serve from home! Many organizations, including Unto, allow you to shop for supplies and donate them to support a cause. When you partner with Unto, you can make or purchase a blanket to donate to someone in the toughest places. You can also volunteer to sew LuoPads, our custom sanitary pads designed to help women who otherwise lack access to hygiene items.  

#2 – Serve for a day

You can make a significant impact in just one day. Many churches and organizations host Saturday serve events where you and your friends or family can spend a day serving the community. Help do yardwork or simple home repairs for those in need. Deliver meals to families without adequate nutrition. Participate in a park cleanup day. 

Unto has a variety of day-long service opportunities at our distribution centers in Mount Joy, PA, and Orlando, FL. You can spend a day packing aid — such as meals, clothing, school supplies, and more — for shipment to the toughest places. Local in-country teams personally distribute the aid and share the message of hope with recipients. 

#3 – Serve for a week

If you have more time this summer, consider spending a week on mission. Many local organizations have week-long opportunities. Churches are often looking for youth camp and Vacation Bible School volunteers. 

You can also spend a week on a work site, helping build a home for a family who could not otherwise afford one. You can take a week-long mission trip nationally or internationally. 

When you partner with Unto, you can serve for a day or all week during one of our Mission Packing Projects. We also offer mission trips, disaster relief trips, and many other ways to serve those in need. 

#4 – Serve for a summer

If you have the majority of your summertime off, consider spending your break on mission. Serve at a children’s or family camp. Participate in a longer mission trip. Or look for summer residency or internship programs. 

Many churches and organizations welcome extra help during the busy summer months. You can serve as a summer intern, help disciple students, or mentor younger children. You can also look for ways to serve with your local Cru^® campus team. Whatever you choose, you will make an eternal difference by spending your summer focused on mission. 

#5 – Serve for a year

Looking to make an even longer commitment? Find a year-long service opportunity. 

Many churches and organizations, like Unto, offer internships following your final year of college or graduate school. It is a great way to gain professional, real-world experience while also making an impact. 

Other local organizations are looking for people to mentor students during the school year. Or consider serving as a Sunday school teacher or small group leader. A longer commitment allows you to build lasting relationships with those you serve. You can make a significant impact on someone’s life or future as you invest in them over time.

God wants to use you to make a difference in the life of someone this summer. Whether you have a little time or a lot, you can make an eternal impact. How will you serve?