Youth develop an understanding of the value of a service learning project as they realize their responsibility to contribute to the community in positive ways.

Students read about the Orphan Train and compare and contrast how that philanthropic effort has evolved today.

The purpose of the lesson is to create an awareness of local agencies that provide services for needy people, teens, and families in the community. Students will also learn the motivations for giving and see how help is provided to the community through the four sectors of the economy. Students will research and select a community agency and plan a service-learning project.

Students select an issue area and research on the Internet, specifically the Learning to Give briefing papers to identify philanthropists and philanthropic organizations who have an interest in addressing that issue. Using the information gained from research, students write a persuasive letter to a philanthropist or philanthropic organization in support of a worthwhile cause in the community.

Students examine the intent and reality of the orphan train and discuss whether it was an effective solution to child homelessness. They write and speak about the traits of someone who takes action for others and civil society. 

Young people demonstrate that gifts do not need to be purchased with money. The best gifts are things we do with our time and talent for someone else. They brainstorm "kindness" types of gifts, such as a service or a homemade creation. They make a gift of kindness certificates. 

Youth will interact with older citizens in order to make intergenerational connections in the community, discover the wealth of history around us, and develop pride in and a sense of connection to their community.

Using Guidestar as a source, young people identify three nonprofits and their mission statements. 

This activity will help youth realize the ways that writing has served as an historical tool, and to understand that through writing individuals have captured and preserved history.

Youth will experience the pride of producing a finished book. They will realize the value of their contribution to the community. Finally, they will celebrate the hard work and efforts that made their project possible.