How To Care Package for the Homeless with Items from Home
I have a great family project for you guys today. It’s How To Create a Care Package for the Homeless with Items from the Home. This actually comes from a conversation I’ve been having with my husband. He has a heart for helping the homeless by providing them with meals, rides, and other great deeds. This is fantastic. He would love for the family to be involved. For me however, I am weary about letting strangers come into my car, especially with little ones. Our compromise? I would let the kids help me create care packages for the homeless folks in our area, then give them to my husband to distribute. This is actually a great way to get the family involved, and use items you already have in your house. Here’s how:
So the first thing I thought of is items that had multiple usage. Folks are usually traveling quite a bit, carrying their possessions with them. Having multiple functions for each item would greatly extend their life and use.
Items to Consider:
- A Reusable Bag – we have so many of these lying around! Not only would they hold the items in the care package, but they could use afterwards
- Blanket or Towel- Can be used to keep warm OR dry.
- Matches
- Pen & Paper
- Shelf Stable Water & Food
- Throw Away Utensils
- Other Items to Consider: Small Travel Toiletries, Calling Card, Grocery Store Gift Card, Sanitizer
The kids had a great time finding the items around the house and putting them in the bag. Almost like a little scavenger hunt! Once everything is packed up, I could give the bags to my husband to distribute around town in his travels.
The family is involved! I am trying to make bags as fast as I can 🙂
What would you add to your bag? How do you like to help out around your community?
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Hanan says
I’ve posted about this before too. Love the idea! I’d probably add in a mini first aid kit too. I really enjoy donating our old kids clothes to local places that give them out locally.
StacieinAtlanta says
What a great idea! Promoting compassion with our kids is important. Nice job!
Tracey says
What a wonderful idea. How compassionate to do something like this.
Autumn says
What a wonderful service project for the whole family! I love that your kids can get involved in this project. Food and water are important! I’d also add a clean pair of socks, because I’ve heard that many homeless people end up with all kinds of fungal infections and skin issues from wearing dirty / damp socks and shoes.
Christie says
Socks are a great idea, Autumn!
Dina says
we’ve served at our homeless under the bridge. they always ask for socks and underwear and that’s what we bring.
krystal says
I never would have thought about matches. THat’s a great round up of ideas!
Shell says
This is such a great idea! Adding a grocery store gift card is smart.
Melissa @ This Girl's Life Blog says
Those are some great things for a care package and much better than just handing them over money in my opinion.
Dawn says
It’s amazing all of the stuff that we have lying around that we don’t think much about that could mean the world to someone else. Thanks for heloing others.
Janeane davis says
It is a great idea to teach kids to give to those in need and to make it a part of their lives as they grow older.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
It’s a nice idea to help someone homeless. I think I would add some personal items to help them look and feel good also.
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
I love this. In fact, I’ve been starting some bags of my own. I included the items in a big ziplock so they could reuse that for certain things to keep them sealed and dry.
shannon Maynard says
I’ve been wanting to do this myself. Living in Los Angeles, homeless people are such a common thing. I’d like to buy a backpack and fill it with first aid supplies, aspirin, clean socks, bottled water, a notebook, toothbrush&paste, a small blanket, cheap walmart hoodie, soap, purel, maybe even some lotion and feminine hygiene products.
I’ve been thinking about food and I like the idea of granola bars, crackers, trail mix, canned fruit, jerky.. heck I’m sure someone would enjoy a pudding cup or juice boxes.
Gloves might be a nice addition, duct tape, maybe even colored pencils or a good book
Christie says
These are great ideas, Shannon! Thank you!