At this year's Roots & Shoots California Regional Youth Summit, when attendants were not taking in fantastic guest speakers, scavenger hunts, early-bird yoga, and more, they put on several Roots & Shoots style service projects. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Roots & Shoots California staff and Youth Leadership Council (CAYLC) wanted to give thanks actively, and make a difference for the human community.

Participants got together and got to work. Roots & Shoots members put together a few holiday gifts to give out to the homeless this holiday season. They assembled "Bags of Love," which are bags filled with everyday necessities that many take for granted. For the Summit Bags of Love, they put in practical items such as deodorant and toothpaste. They also decorated the bags with personal messages of hope. Participants also put together Thanksgiving Food bags, filled with imperishable food items that would brighten someone's holiday.

What would you put in a Bag of Love or Thanksgiving Food bag? Brainstorm some ideas with your Roots & Shoots group. Think of things you would not like to do without, such as toothpaste or moisturizer. Or your favorite Thanksgiving food; do you love cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes? You or you and your group leader can try to find the items you decided upon. Call local establishments and ask to speak to the manager. Explain your Roots & Shoots project, and ask if they would be willing to make any donations.

Home-made and hand-me-down items are also great love bag additions. Have an old pair of gloves you never wear anymore? Enjoy knitting? Be creative! Make cards with hopeful and inspiring messages and put those in the bags as well. What other ideas do you have?

When you have assembled your love bag and Thanksgiving Food bag items, get together and have fun! Put on some music, have some yummy holiday snacks, and get ready to make someone's day with the bag you put together. Once you have assembled the bags, and decorated them, you can take them to your local homeless shelter and either drop them off or distribute them yourselves.

There are so many ways to give thanks with Roots & Shoots California, and this is only one of them. Have a Roots & Shoots California holiday season this year! What project will you put on?