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Local Ministry

Women to the Rescue

This is the time when college students across the country begin to experience "the gauntlet." The term refers to the period beginning Thanksgiving holiday through semester finals. Thanksgiving weekend officially begins the squeeze with last-minute exams, term papers, and late nights filled with cramming. Somewhere in the middle students must arrange holiday plans, travel, and register for spring semester. Students with children face even greater pressure.

What a perfect opportunity for Women's Ministries to come to the rescue! Here are a few ideas to help your group make an indelible impact on a student's life:

Care Packages

Mail or give students packages filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, pain reliever, pens, mechanical pencils with #2 lead, erasers, notepaper, postage stamps, hot chocolate, tea, snack foods, candy, gift certificates, and especially homemade cookies. Add a card filled with words of love and support.

Love Notes

Encourage church members to send students encouraging and/or humorous cards during finals week.

Soul Food

Plan hot meals at your home each night of finals week where students can come and go as needed. Be sure to add lots of laughter, hugs, and encouragement.

Study Buddies

Provide a list of volunteers willing to type term papers or help students review course material and offer moral support during finals week.

Stress Relief

For students who are parents, provide free childcare and at least one meal a day during finals.

Freedom Day

Give a party the last day of finals to celebrate the students' hard work and begin the holiday season on a lighter note.