When we moved from suburban North Carolina to the Washington DC area this past summer it was a pretty big lifestyle adjustment. There were little daily things like learning to go to a park rather than being able to play in our own backyard, or dealing with what's been designated the worst drivers in the country. Then there were the larger adjustments like explaining some realities of life to our young boys. In our area we rarely drive anywhere without seeing a homeless person-whether sleeping at the park or holding a sign asking for help at an intersection. My boys began asking questions and we have been trying to answer them thoughtfully. This led to discussing how we could help those who are less fortunate.
In particular on the way to church each Sunday we pass an older gentleman who is a disabled veteran-veterans are extra special in my heart due to my family's history of service. I wanted to help him so we decided to make a care package or "Blessing Bag" to give to him this past Sunday. My mother taught me about blessing bags when I was a child-she used to keep many of them in her car in case she saw someone that needed help and I thought it was a great idea for our family too given the great need we see in our area.
Here are some ideas for filling blessing bags if you'd like to do the same, we usually put ours in gallon sized plastic bags:
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- baby wipes
- hand sanitizer
- first aid kit
- fruit cups
- canned meats, soups, pasta (make sure they can be opened without a can opener)
- eating utensils
- peanuts
- trail mix
- mini packs of tissues
- cracker snack packs
- cough drops
- raisins
- hand warmers
- granola bars
- energy bars
- water bottles
- fruit snacks
- deodorant
- quarters (useful for laundry mats)
- soap
- chapstick
- razor
- comb
- lotion
- sunscreen
- socks
- underwear
- gloves
- hat
- gum
- gift card
- small note of prayer or encouragement
Travel size toiletries and hotel toiletries are great for these uses, I also like to take advantage of couponing and sales to get a lot of the toiletry items for free or low cost so if you're a couponer take advantage-even if it's a brand you don't use in your home, it could be a blessing to someone in need!
Have you made blessing bags? Did you include anything I left off my list? I'd love to hear your experiences.
Wanda Tolbert says
Sounds like a great idea! I haven't done this myself but I have been homeless. Of course it has been a while. The first thing that came to my mind was a couple of postage stamps. I didn't have cell phone minutes and it would have been nice to be able to write to family and let them know I was OK. Also you could taylor them for gender and age specific. Feminine supplies would have been great instead of using toilet paper.
Melissa says
Thank you so much for those ideas Wanda, I had not thought of that. I'll definitely add stamps and keep some female specific bags too-wonderful idea!
Laura Renkin says
I make sleeping mats out of shopping bags
Melissa says
Great idea Laura!
Lisa says
You can leave out the soap--any place that will allow a shower will have it, and it can "scent" the food to the point that it is inedible. Baby wipes or hand sanitizer is better. Also try to make everything unscented, as many as allergic or won't like the smell. Socks are the #1 requested item, and yes, feminine products. Tampons should be the ones with applicators, for obvious reasons. If you put in mouthwash, make sure it doesn't have alcohol in it. Also, some gift cards for local eateries so that they can choose their food--any sense of control in a world where they have none is appreciated. God bless you for helping!
Betsy Laffeber says
Hi. I do this on a regular basis. My bags are gender specified. I use my old handbags for women and shaving bags for men. I then place them into backpacks. I know some people don't like to be hand them so I've put some in public toilets with a note to let them know they are free.