Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, a season of both personal sacrifice and generosity. While prayer and fasting are often emphasized, almsgiving is sometimes overlooked. But giving to those in need is a vital part of our Lenten journey. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to bless others.
One of the best ways to practice almsgiving as a family is by creating a Lenten Alms Jar, a simple, hands-on way for children (and adults!) to actively participate in giving throughout the season.
Why Make a Lenten Alms Jar?
This DIY craft is not only a fun and creative project, but it also helps reinforce the meaning of almsgiving in a tangible way:
Visual Giving – Because the jars are see-through, children can watch their alms grow over the weeks of Lent, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Daily Reminder – Keeping the jar in a visible place helps remind the whole family to give regularly.
Upcycled & Simple – This craft uses repurposed glass jars, making it an inexpensive and eco-friendly project.
How to Use Your Alms Jar
Each time a family member gives something up for Lent (a coffee, a treat, an extra purchase), they place the money they would have spent into the jar instead. By the end of Lent, your family will have a collection of offerings to donate to a charity, food pantry, or someone in need.
Alms Jar for Lent
If you’d like to collect alms during Lent, I created this easy and inexpensive alms jar. I wanted the jars to have the Lenten color of purple and to look like stained glass windows with translucent cells so that you can see the money as it multiplies.
This is a super kid-friendly project! Let your kids have fun making it. I'm giving a sample design but let your kids come up with whatever designs they would like. The craft was created to embrace imperfections and little hands!
Supplies:
Glass Jars (I used old peanut butter and pickle jars)
White Vinegar
Dishwashing Soap
Black Puffy Paint
Purple Acrylic or Washable Paint
White Acrylic or Washable Paint
Money
Remove the labels on the jar. Place your jars on their sides in a large pot. Cover with water and add 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Bring to a boil. Turn heat off and allow to cool. Once cool, dip a scouring brush into the liquid in the pot and scrub the sides of the jar until clean. If residue won't come off, sprinkle baking soda on the sides and scrub. Rinse jars thoroughly and let dry.
Once dry, hold your jar at an angle and add a wavy design with black puffy paint. You're trying to create individual cells that you can fill with purple paint later. Once done with your design, allow the puffy paint to thoroughly dry.
Once the puffy paint is dry, take your purple paint and add it to 1/3 of the cells. Then take your purple paint, add a little bit of white paint, blend and paint another 1/3 of the cells. Leave the last 1/3 of the cells clear.
Once dry, place the jars in a prominent place in your home (kitchen or dining table, kitchen counter) where you will be reminded to add your alms.
Have a blessed Lent! +
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