5-Feather Sure Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Children’s Ministry Volunteers This Thanksgiving
- Esther Moreno
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
If there’s anything we know for sure in children’s ministry, it’s this: Volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. They show up early, stay late, love deeply, and serve faithfully—week after week. As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and intentionally honor these incredible heroes who pour out on children and families week after week. So here are five feather-sure (and fun!) ways to show your volunteers just how grateful you are for them this holiday season, a surprise they never saw coming.
1. Send Them Home With a “Thankful for You” Treat Bag
Nothing says “I appreciate you!” like a cute little grab-and-go bag filled with sweets, snacks, or warm fall goodies. Think:
A mini pumpkin loaf
Hot cocoa packets
Caramel apple suckers
Chocolate turkeys
Add a little tag that says, “I’m THANKFUL God sent you!” It’s simple, heartfelt, and makes people smile instantly.
2. Fun Team “Turkey Awards” (Quick + Easy!)
Create playful, encouraging awards that volunteers can laugh about and proudly keep. Use printable certificates or cute index cards and give out awards like:
“The Golden Gobbler Award” for the volunteer who always makes kids laugh
“The Gravy Flow Award” for the leader who keeps things running smoothly
“The Stuffing-Strong Award” for the dependable, steady volunteer
“The Pumpkin Pie Spirit Award” for someone who brings sweet joy to the team
It’s silly, low-effort, and full of love.
3. Create a Cozy “Gratitude Hub”
Picture this: warm cider, apple pie, soft music, and a table with fall-themed affirmations on it—a short, sweet hub created just for them to show your gratitude for all they do.
It doesn’t need to be fancy—just intentional.
And don’t forget to tell them a hundred times: “You matter. You’re seen. You’re loved.”
4. Write Personal Thank-You Notes (Yes… handwritten!)
In a digital world, handwritten notes are GOLD. Challenge yourself: write one card per volunteer, even if it’s short.
Include:
Something you specifically appreciate
A moment where you saw their servant heart in action
A blessing for their holiday season
These notes become keepsakes—because your words have weight.
5. Give Out “Gratitude Feathers” With Affirmations
Since it’s Thanksgiving… lean into the theme!
Create colorful paper feathers and write affirmations on each:
“You bring joy to our ministry.”
“Kids feel safe because of you.”
“You make Sundays better.”
“Thank you for loving families well.”
Let volunteers pick a feather or receive a personalized one—something fun, memorable, and meaningful.
Consider turning it into a board called: “We’re THANKFUL for You—Every Feather Matters!” Watch your team light up.
This season is all about gratitude, but true thankfulness goes beyond a moment—it’s a culture. And as a children’s ministry leader, you have the beautiful privilege of creating that culture for your team. So go all in this Thanksgiving.
Make it fun.
Make it heartfelt.
Make it memorable.
And most of all… remind every volunteer that serving children and families alongside them is one of your greatest blessings.
Always rooting for you!
Esther
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