It’s hard to believe that it’s already November! What are some ways to make a difference this month in the lives of others? Here are seven suggestions.

Combine chocolate with cheer. When our church announced it was looking for volunteers to serve in the hot chocolate ministry last year, our family immediately volunteered. What is a hot chocolate ministry? It’s a stand where we handed out free hot chocolate (with a spoonful of mini-marshmallows) to those who attended our town’s annual outdoor Christmas event that happens each year on the day after Thanksgiving. What a fun way to spread Christmas cheer!

Remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Voice of the Martyrs has an amazing website that includes ways to pray for those who are imprisoned, those who have been attacked, and those who’ve lost someone to horrific murders. You can see specific prayer requests here.

Make a nursing home resident’s holiday season a little brighter. Yes, it’s only November, but as my youngest daughter recently pointed out, there are only seven Saturdays until Christmas. So many who live in nursing homes are lonely. Why not join your family in visiting a resident? An alternative is to write Christmas cards and mail them to be handed out to those who would otherwise receive no season’s greetings.

Share with those who have no one. Sometimes, while we are enjoying our Thanksgiving dinners, we forget something very important…the fact that many people don’t have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving dinner. Is there a widow in your church that will spend her first year alone? An elderly couple with no family nearby? A neighbor who lives alone? Why not make a difference in their lives and invite them to your home to share in your family’s festivities? 

Learn CPR. My oldest daughter and I recently renewed our CPR certification. The course was fantastic, and included a section on the Heimlich maneuver. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve renewed my certification, but things tend to change over time, and a refresher is always welcome. What better way to make a difference than to have the knowledge to have a role in possibly saving someone’s life? For more details on how to find a CPR course near you, check out The American Heart Association’s website.

Share the love of reading with others. Our family recently boxed up several Christian adult fiction books in excellent condition that we no longer needed or read. I called a local assisted living center and asked if they would be interested in some books for their residents. They were ecstatic! Remember to always call first before making any donations.

Speaking of books, for more ideas of year-round difference makers, please check out my book 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others.

Fill a shoebox. What better way to make a difference in the life of a child than to fill a shoebox that will be delivered, along with the message of Gospel to a child in need in another country? For all the details on how and what to pack, check out the Samaritan’s Purse website. But hurry! National collection week is November 17-24.

What are some ways you and your family are planning to make a difference in the month of November?