Creating care packages for those in need.
This list will provide you with lots of great ideas on items to add to a blessing bag for someone in need. These are items I added to the blessing bags I actually made and gave out.
Having these care packages readily available in the car to give to someone in need has been so helpful. I always want to help the homeless people I see around town, and this is an easy way to meet many of their needs. Before I made these bags, I often felt like I couldn’t really do anything to help the homeless people I saw. Now that I have these in the back seat, I just grab one and I know I am giving them lots of things that are going to be helpful.
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.
Here is a list of what I put in the blessing bags, along with links to amazon so you can just add them to your cart and check out without having to do all the work of finding everything in the right sizes and quantities. I found that it is significantly cheaper to buy things in bulk on amazon rather than individually at the store.
I created 24 bags and they came out to about $8/bag by using the items I linked. Feel free to add more or less depending on your budget.
This post contains affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. View privacy policy and disclaimer here.
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 could 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 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.
*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 be easier to carry.
What else did you add to your blessing bags? I’d love to hear how it went for you.
Kayla
What a beautiful way to support people and teach your children valuable lessons along the way. I love this idea!