Social Action At the UUAC, we integrate social action efforts in our Religious Education (RE) programs for all our children and youth. We aim to help them learn to value and embrace service in our local and global community by offering the gifts of their time, talents, and treasures. Throughout the year, we encourage children to participate in the collection of food and clothing for A Place to Turn and the Natick Service Council. The children also assist their families in collecting coins for the Guest at Your Table fundraiser each holiday season. We strive to include social action in many of the church functions run by the RE Committee; for example, we ask families attending the our popular Potluck Dinners (Halloween, Chinese New Year, Game Night) to bring food to contribute to local food pantries. Social action can also be promoted directly through Sunday RE classes. In 2008, the 3rd/4th grade class made and sold popcorn and dog bones. The children raised $60 for Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury. The UUAC's youth groups also offer opportunities for social action. In April 2008, the Senior Youth Group and their advisors traveled to New Orleans and contributed time, labor, and financial resources to Reverend Josephine's mission to aid underprivileged children. On this trip the Youth Group also assisted several nonprofit organizations, including Green Light New Orleans (which provides energy efficient lightbulbs to low and middle income families) and an animal shelter, and assisted in rebuilding homes in one of the many communities recovering from Hurricane Katrina. The Senior Youth Group is planning a second trip to New Orleans in April. Children and youth are also encouraged to participate in other UUAC social action projects, including: Donation of hats, gloves and mittens for the Mitten Tree in December Participation in the Winter Walk to raise money and awareness for HomeStart Providing and serving dinner at the Salvation Army soup kitchen Collection of food and clothing for Natick Service Council and A Place To Turn and items for Cradles to Crayons The donation of wrapped Christmas gifts for the ³Secret Santa² program through Framingham DSS Offering a dinner to collect money to benefit Interfaith Hospitality Network