The United States has historically been a generous nation when it comes to helping other countries in times of disaster and distress. Many faith communities make care packages for soldiers overseas or send holiday presents for children in developing countries. Have a committee in your community identify groups that you could help closer to home, such as the medical staff on a floor of the local hospital, young parents, and nursing home residents. Reach out to those whose work often goes unnoticed, such as child services social workers or the grounds crews in local parks. During the hot summer months with ongoing fires, connect with your fire department to send supplies and goods to the firefighters on the front lines who spend weeks away from their families. Your adoption of a group and your care packages says, "I see you. Your work is valuable in our nation."

— Kristin Ritzau in Practicing Democracy with Your Faith Community by Kristin Ritzau, Mary Ann Brussat