Christmas is a wonderful time for your family to volunteer together in your community. Finding family-friendly volunteer ideas can create lasting memories and teach valuable lessons. Several Medi-Share teams have been deeply impacted by recent service projects and encourage you to look for opportunities to serve where you live.
We’re instructed in the book of 1 Corinthians to not be uninformed about the gifts of the Spirit. We’re told there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit that distributes them and different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [1 Corinthians 12:1,4,5]
We are also aware that Jesus said he did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. [Matthew 20:28]
This example challenges us to adopt a similar mindset and serve like Jesus in our daily lives.
As the body of Christ, we’re challenged to serve God with the gifts and life He’s given to us. In that spirit, Christian Care Ministry initiated the Missions Paid Time Off (MPTO) to allow employees who have been with the ministry for 6 months or longer, twelve hours of paid time per calendar year to serve in their communities, schools, and churches. This program reflects a commitment to empowering employees to make a tangible difference.
There is no shortage of possible ways to serve. Some favorite ways employees take advantage of the time are: summertime Vacation Bible Schools at their churches, short term mission trips, area food banks, their child’s school (field trips anyone?), and organizations that have thrift stores.
Employees gain a sense of satisfaction by being able to serve the community during work hours. On a recent MPTO service opportunity, several staff members participated in a service project for New Life Mission, which equips homeless women with children to transform their families for generations.
The volunteers were deeply impacted through their efforts on behalf of New Life Mission. Alex Goncalves, Internal Auditor, insightfully wrote: “Serving at New Life Village gave me deep insight into the transformative support they provide to women and children. I’m grateful they’re meeting a vital need in Brevard County—witnessing lives restored through faith, life skills, and care inspired me to serve with greater empathy and purpose.”
New Life Mission volunteer coordinator Jessica Slater spoke to the impact of the volunteers’ efforts: “Because of your time, care, and attention to detail, you’ve helped create meaningful experiences and lasting impressions for our moms, guests, and community. Thank you for putting your heart into every task. Your hands-on service truly helps New Life Mission create spaces of dignity, hope, and transformation.”
Another group of employees worked together earlier this year to pack nearly 1,000 lunches at The Children’s Hunger Project (TCHP) in Cocoa, Fla. A group of 21 volunteers, including 10 Medi-Share staff members, were excited to take part and were among the first to sport the 2025 Days of Sharing t-shirts!
Medi-Share teams have volunteered there in previous years, and The Children’s Hunger Project expressed their gratitude: “As always, it’s a pleasure to collaborate with your ministry. The team was great, and everyone worked very hard. It was beautiful that they prayed before beginning. Thanks again for supporting The Children’s Hunger Project and for helping us bring awareness to the community!”
Most recently, another Medi-Share team spent some time helping out at the Sharing Center of Central Brevard, where they sorted and packed numerous pallets of donated food for distribution to those in need. Currently, the Sharing Center is experiencing its highest demand for food while also receiving generous donations from the community. The Medi-Share team felt privileged to contribute to the remarkable efforts of the Sharing Center.
A few more expressions of appreciation from other organizations who have been served by Medi-Share volunteers in previous years:
From Cindy Spainhour at Promise in Brevard: “The Medi-Share Team chose our community to serve on their day of sharing. They worked alongside some of our residents all morning, sharing, laughing, and joyfully enjoying each other. Being able to sit and share with them and work alongside them was truly a blessing.”
Ann-Marie Britt from House of Hope said: “Thank you to the tremendous volunteers from Medi-Share who came and served! We wouldn’t be able to continue to do the work we do and serve many in the community without the help you all provided. Your team was a blessing to us in both spirit and physical labor.”
Nana’s House representative Sandy Ruizo shared: “We want to thank you so much for your team that came out. They were so wonderful, they helped us out tremendously. We are very grateful and so thankful for your help.”
And from Mark Sweeney with CITA Rescue Mission: “Our relationship with Medi-Share is a great blessing for us. Thank you for your servant heart and your willingness to help our mission.”
Just as employees are encouraged to use the gifts, skills, and time they’ve been given to honor our Lord in their communities, so can we all find ways to serve this Christmas season. It is a time when it may be most needed, appreciated, and impactful in the places where we live, work, and worship all around the country. If you're looking for ways to get involved, resources like Volunteer Match can help you discover opportunities in your area.
