A Blessing Bag

I LOVE to give back and today, I wanted to share a tip from ModernParentsMessyKids.

Whether you live in the city or in the suburbs, there are situations that tug at your heart strings especially when we see someone we want to help, but just don’t know how. Maybe it is encountering a homeless person on the street.  Maybe you have been asked for money outright or maybe you have seen them holding a sign sharing their misfortune.  Whatever the situation, you have wanted to help but just weren’t sure, right?

As a recovering addict, I will admit giving money to someone always concerns me.  “There by the grace of God, go I”.  So if I walk by without doing anything, I feel awful.

One of the BIGGEST requests that I have heard from those who are homeless is that they need – Socks.  Think about it –  it’s easy to find food. Shelters and non-profits offer warm meals to anyone that walks in.  Clothes can be gotten as well. But, the homeless don’t use washers and dryers, so a clean pair of socks is a luxury item.

How easy would it be to carry a pair of socks everywhere? Maybe a pair in your purse and a few pairs in the car. 

What if you took it one step further….. Make a Blessing Bag. The items are easy to get and can keep forever in your purse or car. The essential items that we take for granted can lift the spirits of someone living on the street.

Start with a Gallon Size Ziploc Bag.

• It will help to keep everything together & in one place so they can easily access the supplies in their bags/backpacks
• Keeps the items from spilling/leaking in their bags
• The bags can later be used for other storage options within their bags – storing toiletries, snacks, etc

Here are some of the things that you can include:

• Hand-Warmers – especially during the winter, but even on a chilly evening these area a blessing.
• Bag of Quarters – These are nice to include for washing clothes at the laundromat. You can put them in a snack-size Ziploc bag to keep them contained.
• Bottle of Water – Mini water bottles work great
• Band-Aids – are sometimes needed but not something they would be able to spend money on or think about having.
• Baby Wipes – a small pack of baby wipes help with feeling clean & fresh
• Hand Sanitizer – another great option to help them feel cleaner
• Wash Cloth

Toiletries: if you have a lot of items to include, travel-size toiletries work great

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste (travel size if you have a lot of items to put into your bag)
• Floss
• Soap (hotel soaps are great)
• Deodorant
• Shampoo/conditioner (hotel one are the perfect size)
• Comb
• Personal hygiene items for a woman (tampons, pantiliners, pads, etc)
• Sunscreen (depending on time of year)
• Chapstick
• Personal Items: New Socks, New Underwear, Inexpensive gloves
• Non-Perishable Foods: Granola Bars, Energy Bars, Tuna/cracker packs, Trail mix, Raisins, Peanuts, Fruit cup/ applesauce cup (& include a spoon), Gum/hard candy, Hot Cocoa/Spiced Cider Mixes or on-the-go coffee mixes

You can get a FREE printable checklist by clicking HERE

The specific items can be changed, but be sure that any food you use is non-perishable. And remember, food is most likely easy to find, so toiletry items are especially appreciated.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!