February's One Thing: Creativity Kits for Kids – Supporting Kids Staying Home for Safety in MN

This month, United Methodist churches across the Dakotas Conference are joining our Minnesota United Methodist neighbors to assemble creativity kits for children experiencing severe trauma in response to the ICE raids. These age-appropriate bags will contain items to help kids focus on creativity and joy, helping affected young people be kids and give their parents space to focus on keeping their family safe.

Below are suggested items to provide:

Early Elementary (K-2nd grade about ages 5-8) Creativity Kit

• Washable markers
• Crayons
• Big coloring book (simple pictures)
• Drawing paper/sketch pad
• Sticker activity books
• Jigsaw puzzles (24-100 pieces)
• Seek-and-find picture books
• Play-Doh
• Games that are age-appropriate and compact – Go Fish, Matching Games, Old Maid

Upper Elementary (3rd-5th grade about ages 8-11) Creativity Kit

• Sketch book
• Colored pencils
• Coloring books
• DIY craft kits (bracelets, slime, etc.)
• Word and logic puzzle books – crosswords and word searches
• Strategy games that are compact/travel-sized – Trouble, Connect 4, Sorry, etc.
• Card games – playing cards, Uno, SkyJo, etc.
• Jigsaw puzzles (100-300 pieces)
• Watercolor paints and watercolor paper

Middle School/High School (6th-12th grade about ages 11-18) Creativity Kit

• Sketchbook or journal
• Fine tipped markers or colored pencils
• Adult coloring books and gel pens
• Puzzle books – crosswords, sudoku, logic puzzles
• Jigsaw puzzles (300-500 pieces)
• Strategy games that are compact/travel-sized – Code Names, Clue, Qwixx, etc.
• Card games – playing cards, Quiddler, Phase 10, Five Crowns, etc.
• DIY craft kits for older kids – crochet, clay, STEM projects, etc.
• Watercolor paints and watercolor paper

Drop off donations at Legacy:

• On Sundays in worship or during Wednesday night activities
• During the week at the office (9 am – 1 pm Monday – Thursday)
• Skip the line and ship to the church