Helping others as your purpose for Lent

I was just reading a book called 'The Good Of Giving Up' by Aaron Damiani and he had some ideas for Lent that involved helping others.  He shared a story of a family who had an envelope labeled 'neighbor fund' that they put extra money in sacrificially through lent as they give up things.  Through Lent they look for opportunities to help someone out or 'make someone's day'.  They ask the Holy Spirit to guide them.

What a great example of another way we can bless others.  There is so much need out there we don't need to look very far.  And, it's giving what you can - even if it's not much. It still counts to make someone's day.

Ideas for your neighbors:

• Host them for dinner
• Give them a restaurant gift card
• Take a meal to a new mother
• Fund or contribute to a mission trip someone is going on
• Throw a party for someone who doesn't expect it
• Send flowers
• Sent a gift card for groceries anonymously
• Send someone a care package

Plus so many other things you could do.  I'd love to hear other ideas if you have them too - so please feel free to comment below.