Donate blood, forgive, live on a fiver, be a mentor, share the Bible. These are just a few of the 40 acts of generosity which will feature in a generosity campaign to be launched on Wednesday, 13 February.

Now in its third consecutive year, 40acts is the brainchild of Christian charity Stewardship, and invites people to do Lent differently. Instead of giving something up, 40acts challenges participants to give something 'out'. More than 5,000 people have already signed up to 40acts 2013.

During the 40 days of Lent, participants will be invited to take part in simple acts of generosity which will challenge them to 'do Lent generously' in 2013.

"The idea behind 40acts is simple," says Debbie Wright, head of content at Stewardship.

"Lent marks a pivotal point in the history of the Church, when Jesus prepared to give himself up as a sacrifice for all mankind. Traditionally we mark Lent by giving something up, but what if it could be more than that? What if Lent was a preparation for a lifetime of big-heartedness?"

She continues: "Small acts of generosity, performed by thousands of Christians across the UK, have the power to make a big change to our communities, to our churches and ultimately, to our world."

Participants can sign up to 40acts via 40acts.org.uk and will receive daily 40acts challenges via email from 13 February to 30 March 2013. Challenges will also be posted on the 40acts website on a daily basis.

Challenges will be aided by 40 biblical reflections from a plethora of highly regarded contributors.

Those contributing to this year's 40acts campaign include: Lord Michael Hastings (House of Lords), Anne Atkins (BBC Radio 4), Nicky and Sila Lee (Holy Trinity Brompton), Krish Kandiah (Evangelical Alliance), Miriam Swaffield (Fusion UK), James Catford (Bible Society), Rob Parsons (Care for the Family), Chine Mbubaegbu (threads), Joel Edwards (Micah Challenge) and Bekah Legg (Liberti magazine).

Free resource packs, providing additional material and adaptable meeting guides, are available for those who would like to bring 40acts to their church or youth group.

Resource packs are available for download at 40acts.org.uk from mid-January 2013.

Visit www.40acts.org.uk for more information about the campaign and to get involved.