If you are using live flowers, check with local florists or growers for any available volume discounts or partial donations. Projects could include collecting good condition used-goods for a family that lost a home, toy drives for needy children, and books, blankets, jackets or food for homeless shelters. Levels of participation can be arranged to fit individual age brackets. Set up an area at lunch where kids can donate something from their lunch to help feed other kids at school. Donations should only be food items that the child is not going to eat and was not expected to bring back home.
Students can also trade an item in their lunch for items in the box.
Have an apple want an orange- trade for one at the lunch box. Parks, creeks, beaches, city streets, an individual home or yard, an area at your school or even a vacant lot can all work well for this project. This project can be tied in to science or history project easily. Focuses could include composting, organic gardening methods, beneficial vs. non-beneficial insects, environmentally friendly solutions to disease or pests, etc. Then share the fruits of your labor with local organizations, friends, or families.