DIY: Blessing Kits for the Homeless
The following is a guest post on blessing kits from regular contributor, Yuni at Love Your Abode.
I know this is different from a typical organization post but wanted to share this brilliant idea I learned from my husband when he did a service project with his company a few years ago. They organized thousands of care package bags for the homeless. The point was to leave a few bags in their cars and pass them out. I loved this idea so much because it’s something anyone can do.
I researched some helpful items for these blessing kits and wanted to share what I discovered. Try to add dry foods that won’t melt and will bring longer satisfaction like protein bars and beef jerky. Wipes are also super handy as well as kleenex. Try to avoid anything with alcohol, like hand sanitizer and mouth wash. I added wipes, protein bars, pretzels, beef jerky, kleenex, toothbrush, toothpaste, water and gum. Some other great ideas are chapstick, sunscreen and lotion.
Organize and package them into bags like these gallon sized zip lock bags.
I like to store at least four into a basket and leave them in my trunk. I keep one zip lock bag in the front near where I sit so I can easily get it out and pass it to someone who I see is in need.
The great thing is you can get your kids involved too. They can help shop for the items, bag them and even write a note to leave inside each bag. Every time they see you passing it out from the car, it will teach them how a small act can make a difference in their community. They too can be a helping hand in blessing another person in need. I would love to know if you have other service ideas you like to do with your kids as I’m always looking for ways to include mine.
Yuni is married to her high school sweetheart and is a stay at home mom to three precious miracles. She is passionate about Jesus and loves creating a home with purpose. You can find her at Love Your Abode where she shares her love for DIY, organizing, cooking, and interior design. She loves gathering, feeding, and celebrating people.
What an awesome idea!
I love this idea and keep saying I’m going to do it, but this time I really am!!! Other ideas I’ve seen: socks; a roll of hard candy (like Lifesavers); Cottonelle wipes. Thank you for motivating me! My daughter and I will do this today.
Yay, I’m so glad to hear that Susan! And those are also wonderful ideas!
Thank you, Susan! For some time we have carried protein bars to share, but this goes so much further! What a neat group activity to make us more aware of simple needs we can impact.
This shows what a giving person you are. Thank you for your blog I enjoy it every time I visit. I have done simular giving bags before – there are so many people in need,
Thanks for sharing.
Julie
This is a lovely idea – but I’d like to suggest one other thing for anyone reading the comments. Many homeless women are unable to access feminine hygiene products and are reduced to using rags, reusing pads and tampons, and often carry quite a bit of shame around menstruation. Adding some pads and tampons to some kits would be a huge gift for many women. <3
Congratulations from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Yuni!!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
We have a local homeless shelter that provides printables for a meal at their shelter with bus directions to add to a kit like this. You can also include bus fare.
Thank you so much for the ideas. I plan to do this on a regular basis! So nice you thought of it!
what a wonderful idea, When I visit Sydney and I see these homeless it is so sad.
This is a wonderful idea! My heart is overwhelmed with sadness every time I encounter the homeless! I would like to get involved in my community to drop those types of bags to the shelters.
Thank you so much for sharing ?
GOD bless you.
Love this! We are linking in our post today!