Creating care packages for those in need
Show those experiencing homelessness or hardship love and kindness through blessing bags. These small care packages, filled with essentials, can make a big difference in someone’s day. Whether you are creating them as a family activity, a service project with kids, or a way to teach gratitude, blessing bags are a beautiful way to put love into action. In this post, I’ll share what to include, how to assemble them, and the best ways to distribute them.
Having these care packages readily available in the car to give to someone in need has been so helpful. Before I made these bags, I often felt like I couldn’t do anything to help the homeless people I saw. Now that I have these in the back seat, I just grab one and know I am giving them lots of useful items.
These were so fun to make as a family. My toddler enjoyed adding things to the blessing bags and I loved getting him involved with the whole process. As we get the chance to hand these out, it will be good for him to see where they are going and why we made them.
I created 24 bags and they came out to about $8/bag. Feel free to add more or less depending on your budget.
How To Assemble Blessing Bags
There are many ways you can put the blessing bags together. I chose to put all the items into large Ziplock bags so everything stays clean and dry. It would also be beneficial to put items into reusable tote bags or drawstring bags, if your budget allows.
Once all the items had arrived, I arranged everything on the kitchen table in little piles so I could easily access everything. Then, I simply grabbed a bag and went down the line, adding one of each item.
My two year old helped fill the bags and laying everything out on the table made it easy for him to help too!
How To Give Out Blessing Bags
These are some ideas for ways to give out your blessing bags once they are ready:
- Keep them in your car and give them out when you see someone in need.
- Donate them to homeless shelters.
- Give them to churches or local ministries that serve the homeless.
- Find out if your library does an outreach program for those in need, donate them there if so.
- Walk around downtown and hand them out.
- Give them to community centers to give out.
- Ask your local fire department or police department if they can use them for those they encounter in tough situations.
- Give them to school counselors or social workers to give out as they see fit.
What To Include in The Blessing Bags
I focused these bags on personal hygiene items, many people like to add snacks or non perishable food items too. Get creative and imagine what you would want to receive if you are ever in a tough spot in life.
A sweet note with a verse or caring phrase will make someone’s day when they get the blessing bag from you.
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1. Toothpaste
This one is important to add to the bags because toothpaste (and a toothbrush) can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Dental problems are very common among those who are homeless and they often don’t have the means to go to the dentist and take care of those problems. Preventative measures can help tremendously.
2. Toothbrush
Toothbrushes go along with toothpaste in importance. I chose individually packaged toothbrushes so they can stay clean and fresh in the bags. Dental hygiene is neglected when people don’t have the means to buy the supplies. That’s why these are so useful in the bags.
3. Deodorant
Being without a place to call home can come with lots of challenges in staying fresh. Deodorant is a must have and a very useful item to add to the blessing bags. Having the opportunity to minimize body odor for someone who is homeless is very beneficial, especially if they have a job interview or somewhere to go.
4. Hand Sanitizer
The ability to sanitize your hands before eating can prevent illness, stop the spread of germs and keep you healthy. Portable hand sanitizer is easy to carry and quick for someone to pull out and use when they need it.
5. Soap
When someone is homeless they can often find access to running water but not always soap in a moments notice. I added these Irish spring bars in mini plastic Ziplock bags so they can be used to wash hands or body when needed.
6. Water Bottles
A reusable water bottle allows someone to bring water with them anywhere. This is helpful any time of year but especially in the summer when it’s so hot. These bottles can be clipped onto a bag and carried easily wherever someone goes. Reusable water bottles prevent litter too.
*I did not have these bottles in my budget so I just used plastic bottles from the grocery store.
7. Chapstick
This ChapStick has SPF 15 to help prevent sunburn on the lips, it also has long lasting moisture. Both of these things are important to someone who may not be able to go inside when the sun is high or the wind gets strong.
*I recommend adding two of these to your cart on amazon so you have enough for each bag.
8. Socks
Socks are important because they can prevent blisters and keep someone warm. These socks are durable and will last even if someone wears them for longer periods of time. Black is a color that won’t show dirt as easily in case someone doesn’t have access to a washing machine.
Socks are often one of the most important items to a homeless person, so getting some that will last is worth every penny.
* I ordered two packs of these so I would have enough for every bag.
9. Granola Bars
Granola bars are an easy addition to the blessing bag and they give the recipient a little snack along with their other items. Since you may not know when the last time the person ate is, you could add more non perishable food to the bag too.
10. Wash Cloth
A wash cloth can have many uses, but especially since we are adding soap to the blessing bag, a wash cloth can help someone effectively use the soap to get clean. Being able to clean themselves or something they have can help a lot.
These are microfiber so they will dry quickly and are easy to carry.
Final Thoughts
Creating a blessing bag for someone in need is a wonderful way to show your love to those around you. No matter how many items you add or how much you spend, the person who receives the bag will be thankful. I hope you enjoy making them and giving them out!
What else did you add to your blessing bags? I’d love to hear how it went for you.
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Kayla
What a beautiful way to support people and teach your children valuable lessons along the way. I love this idea!