Refusals permitted: While you offer help, be sensitive to the fact that they may refuse it. Don’t take it personally; just make a different offer for help at a later time.
Be specific: Instead of a blanket proposal for help, offer a tangible form of assistance such as, "Can my son and I come and mow your lawn on Friday or Saturday?" Or "I’d like to bring you a meal one day next week. What day would be a good one for you to take a break from cooking?"
Group projects: When the troops were in Kosovo, a youth group from another town wanted to come help the airmen’s families. The thought of a bunch of strangers coming to help was kind of scary initially. If your group wants to help, contact a military family through someone they know or their unit’s supervisory contact. Have a specific project in mind. For example, a youth group could clear away leaves or clean the house. Always have adult supervision present and be responsible for those in your group. These projects can be a tremendous blessing to the families involved.