• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Optional: Name tags, markers, and heart stickers

• Talk to parents about this idea first. You will need their support.
• Prepare a list of adults who might want to help. Start with past or current members of the congregational caring committee or team.

Participants form a caring team.

Leadership in Action (LIA) activities provide opportunities for children to take the lead in an activity that engages with the congregation, and begin to see themselves as leaders in their faith.

Your congregation probably has a team or committee that cares for individuals and families when help is needed. Tell the children about this team. Ask if they would like to form a Caring Team for Kids. Brainstorm actions they can take to help kids who might need caring attention. For example:

• Making and mailing cards (Who doesn't like to get mail?)
• Visiting children who are sick or injured
• Offering to feed, walk, or play with pets when their owners cannot do it
• Help organize parties for new children or children who are moving away.

Though they may not be able to prepare dinners, they can make up snack baskets. If some ideas are impractical, help the group adapt them into an idea with the same intent that is more realistic.

Engage some adults aside from parents to help the caring team. Have the group make name tags together or find their congregational name tags before hosting a caring event; team members of all ages can place heart stickers on their name tags to help people identify them.

Publicize the Children's Caring Team. Let the congregation know the ways the team can help care for children experiencing hard times. Assign two or more adults to keep alert for news about children and others who might welcome care from this team.