1. Understanding migrants: Look at a map of the U.S. and Mexico. Imagine the Salazar family traveling from the Texas/Mexico border in the early spring to work in the asparagus fields in central Michigan, along the Lake Michigan shore line. After the asparagus, they would probably look for work at the “Tip of the Mitten,” northern Michigan, picking cherries. Then in June and July on to the pickle fields in the area of Michigan called the thumb. In August and September they might travel to northern Ohio to pick tomatoes. Then, back to Michigan to pick apples. Finally, they would return to their home along the Texas/Mexico border.

Show the students examples of these fruits and vegetables. Of the crops they have harvested, which foods do you like the best? How much school do you think they have missed? How far have they traveled? What do you think the children did while their parents were working in the fields? Did you know that there are summer schools in some places set up just for children of migrant workers? How would you feel about going to school in the summertime and about being in a different school every time there is new work in a new place?

Distribute the coloring handout for the children to color. Ask them to trace an imaginary journey from Michigan to the U.S./Mexico border.
Materials: map of the U.S., indicated fruits and vegetables, coloring handout, crayons

2. Things to do with a blanket: Think about your favorite blanket. Does it always stay on your bed, or do you carry it with you to the couch when you are feeling sick or when you need to be comforted? Have you ever made a fort or a tent with a blanket? Do you use a blanket as a cape like Superman? Think of different things you can do with a blanket. Divide into teams and act out skits of things to do with a blanket and have the other team try to guess what you are doing.
Materials: several blankets

3. Make a Blanket Reminder: Make paper quilts in the traditional “nine patch block” style. Provide 4” squares of paper of various colors and patterns. Let the children each choose 9 pieces. Traditionally 4 of them are plain and 5 of them are darker or patterned. Form 3 rows of 3 blocks each to make a block and glue them to another piece of paper. Pin all the blocks to a bulletin board to remind the congregation to bring their money for the Blankets+ offering. Or have the children hold them up during a Minute for Mission and recall the ways a blanket comforts them.
Materials: squares of paper, glue

5. Make Imani Masks: Using orange colored paper, have each child tape/staple together a giraffe face mask. (See drawing for model.) Color brown spots on it with markers. Add ears and horns. Staple an elastic strip or string on the back of the mask to hold it on. As they work, ask each child to recall something Imani taught them.
Materials: orange construction paper, scissors, brown marker, stapler or tape, elastic stripping or string

6. Invite a speaker: Contact your local food pantry or shelter.

7. Collect donations for the CWS Blankets+ Program: Involve the whole congregation. To announce this effort, have the children act out ways that a blanket can be used. On the day of the collection, with the children wearing their giraffe face masks, line up in the front of the congregation. In one or two sentences have each child tell what they learned about how hope grows as a result of the gifts that have been given through Church World Service.

8. If you are planning a "Build A Better World" carnival: Finish planning the final details, complete the games, and make sure everyone is invited and informed about the date, time, place, and contributions expected. Make sure you have enough “Thank you” notes to give to each participant.

NOTE: When you are ready to send your donation to Church World Service, please send a single check made out to CWS Blankets+ Program to: CWS, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the CWS Blankets+ Program, call 1-888-CWS- CROP, that’s 1-888-297-2767.

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