COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES 

 

• Coats for Kids.
Councils across North America can purchase new winter coats at a discount to be distributed to the children in need in their local communities. A featured program, Coats for Kids counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.

• Global Wheelchair Mission
Help change the lives of people with disabilities worldwide by having your council donate at least $150 for a wheelchair. Through partnerships, councils can also purchase a large container of 110 to 280 wheelchairs for their own donation sites. A featured program, Global Wheelchair Mission counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.

• Habitat for Humanity
Build homes with families in need. Councils are asked to donate a minimum of $1,000 or 200 service hours to Habitat for Humanity projects in their community. A featured program, Habitat for Humanity counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.

• Disaster Preparedness
Prepare your community before disaster strikes. Councils engage their parish and community in disaster preparedness exercises by organizing training, fundraisers, and awareness activities.

• Free Throw Championship
Offer an athletic outlet for young people ages 9 to 14 through a fun free throw competition. To sponsor a competition start by ordering a Free Throw Championship Kit, or volunteer to host and/or support the district, regional, and state/province championships.


• Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest
Encourage youth to become citizens grounded in their faith through creative writing. Open to all qualifying Catholic students.

• Soccer Challenge
Provide an athletic outlet for young people ages 9 to 14 through penalty kick competition designed for players to demonstrate their skills. Start sponsoring a competition by ordering a Soccer Challenge Kit, or volunteer to host and/or support the district, regional and state/province championships.

• Helping Hands (new)
Put your faith into action and help people who are less fortunate in your community. In the spirit of our founder, Venerable Michael J. McGivney, councils lead efforts to assist those most in need. Guidelines for this program are broad and can include forming partnerships with local aid organizations or independently planning unique activities. Council participation in Helping Hands is required to qualify for the Columbian Award.