Preschoolers can relate to children confined in a pediatric hospital because they have also been sick or hurt. Children can donate puzzles, books, crayons, play dough or other small toys and then assemble them into activity boxes for pediatric patients. Other donation drives might focus on colorful cartoon bandages or stuffed animals that preschoolers could deliver along with handmade cards. Children can decorate donated shirts, socks or canvas shoes with fabric paint to inspire bedridden patients.
Many preschoolers have pets at home and may be willing to help pets at a local animal shelter. Children can make dog biscuits or bird feeders using ingredients brought in by families or donated by area grocery stores. Many shelters would welcome donations of blankets, balls and feeding dishes chosen by preschoolers and delivered during a field trip.
While some children may have elderly relatives in a nursing home, others may not understand this type of living arrangement. Simply explain that some older people, like grandparents, live together so that doctors and nurses can help them if they need it. Children can create bookmarks, laminated placemats or scented sachets to give to the residents. Preschoolers can paint or draw pictures to display in the hallways or cafeteria. Children can grow vegetables or pick fruit from an orchard to deliver to the nursing home. The class can sing songs or share a craft activity with residents and give the gift of time.
Children can participate in simple projects to beautify the school playground or nearby parks. With permission, preschoolers can plant a tree or start a community garden. Children can paint a mural on a wooden fence or weave colored plastic strips through the holes in a wire fence. Preschoolers can decorate trees with homemade bird feeders or paint stepping stones along a pathway.