Service Opportunities

Discover meaningful ways to serve during the Gathering without leaving the Convention Center. On-Site Service Opportunities offer both pre-registered and walk-up experiences that invite you to serve your neighbor and reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways.

On-Site Service-Learning

Organizations Providing On-Site Service Opportunities

Some congregations have been given the opportunity to pre-register for On-Site Service-Learning experiences (Selected congregations were emailed April 9, 2025). Partner organizations and the Service-Learning Planning Team have been working diligently to create meaningful opportunities that educate participants on how they can serve in the future or in their home communities.

(Pre-registration is required for these opportunities, but walk-up spaces may be available)

Walk-Up Opportunities

Walk-up service opportunities offer a variety of activities, ranging from simple tasks to those requiring more effort, ensuring there is a service opportunity for everyone, regardless of skill level.

(No registration required—stop by and serve!)

Walk-Up Service

  • Encouragement Cards—Write uplifting notes for those serving in the Armed Forces.

  • Sock Animals—Create a cuddly sock animal to bring joy to children in local shelters and hospitals.

  • Gratitude Area—Make thank-you cards for hotel and hospitality workers serving during the Gathering.

  • Phil’s Friends—Decorate care package boxes to support those enduring cancer.

  • Homeless Simulation—Participate in an interactive experience that helps you understand how some individuals fall into homelessness.

Donations

School Supplies

  • #2 Pencils

  • 24-Count Crayons

  • Colored Pencils

  • Markers

  • Folders with Pockets/Prongs

  • Wide-Rule Spiral Notebooks

  • Composition Notebooks

  • Glue Bottles (4 oz.)

  • Glue Sticks

  • Black, Blue, and Red Pens

  • 12” Rulers

  • Pink Erasers

  • Manual Pencil Sharpeners

Groups now have the ability to sign-up to bring donation items that are being collected to help with some of the On-Site Service-Learning projects. As you’re preparing those packing lists, consider saving room in your bus or van, bringing an extra suitcase on the plane, or add some of the items to your shopping list upon arrival in New Orleans.

Hygiene Kits

  • Diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6, 7)

  • Travel Size 2-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner

  • Travel Size Body Soap

  • Travel Size Body Lotion

  • Travel Size Toothpaste

  • Toothbrushes

  • Travel Size Hand Sanitizer

  • Wash Cloths

  • Combs

  • 30-Count Band-Aids

  • Chapstick

The Blood Center Blood Drive

The Blood Center’s Blood Drive provides an opportunity to save lives by donating blood during the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering. Participants must be at least 17 years old to donate, but 16-year-olds may also participate with a signed parental consent form.