Thanksgiving Outreach: Wall of Thanks

In this Thanksgiving outreach idea, kids will give thanks as they point out what God does for all of us.

You’ll need:

• Bible (1 Chronicles 16:8)
• roll of butcher paper or newsprint
• ink pads
• wet wipes
• sticky notes
• markers
• Now & Later candies

The Experience

Contact a local mall or shopping center about hosting a “Thanks Wall” around the week of Thanksgiving, especially on busy shopping days such as Black Friday. Gather kids together, and read 1 Chronicles 16:8.

Say: This Thanksgiving, we’re going to help our community see what God has done for us by giving thanks. Have kids make the wall by using an ink pad to make handprints all over a long piece of butcher paper or newsprint. Decorate a headline that reads, “We’re thankful for…”

Hang the Thanks Wall at the designated location, and have a few kids at a time stand with adult volunteers in shifts. Set out sticky note pads and markers. Encourage people to write what they’re thankful for on a note and stick it to the backdrop. Hand out Now & Later candies to people who write on the wall and say, “Remember to give thanks now…and later!”

Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Check out these articles!