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Give Carepacks to the Homeless
There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we take for granted - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.
Imagine how you would feel if you didn't have access to these small things. Well, many people in your community can't afford these things. By donating even the smallest items to those who don't have them, you'll be providing someone with a greater sense of self-worth. Simple accessories you may take for granted could be greatly appreciated by those who are less fortunate. Maybe your support will open a door that will give that person a change to get a job or give them a fresh start to a new life.
Step It Up
Pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, snacks, gloves and warm socks in backpacks and hand them out to the homeless in your city.
Keep It Simple
Donate toiletry items to your local homeless shelter.
Resources
- GiveBackpacks.org is an organization dedicated to supporting the homeless population in Austin. Visit the organization's website for ideas on what items homeless are often in need of.
- Visit the Homeless Shelter Directory to find a homeless shelter near you.
Comments
This is a wonderful idea - you can also carry some spare unbrellas in your car to give away.
Posted 11 months ago by Barbara from Central Florida
We carry gallon jugs of water when we go out as we are in the desert and water is critical for survival. I also keep 5.00 gift cards handy so they can at least get a hot meal when we find someone at the corner.
Posted 9 months ago by DocHolly from Las Vegas NV
Great idea! I often place a little extra in food and sometimes toilet paper in my shopping trolley and give the items to our local homeless shelter, but never think about the other types of toiletries. I also often buy soft toys from charity shops and give those to another homeless organization, to give out with their Christmas hampers for the children. Yet, you've expressed some new ideas to think about. Another idea I think could be face/wash cloths placed in as well.
Posted 8 months ago by DebMcG from Albury, Australia
People are so appreciative of this! I add raincoats in the winter and tarps in the summer. But I think one of the most important things the people appreciate is the acknowledgement that they are people and worthwhile - a smile, hello, etc. And a care package is just a bridge for the acknowledgement.
Posted 7 months ago by Debbie from Sacramento CA
We have a local homeless man in our neighborhood and I am going to give him a new large tarp and bungee cords along with some other things like socks and food :)
Posted 5 months ago by Canadian Halloween from New Westminster BC
what a great idea!!! will be making one this weekend to donate to someone in need...thank you for inspiring me!
Posted 5 months ago by laura from boston ma
I had a conversation with a homeless woman near my house. She said what she really wanted, and needed was hand sanitizer. She would dilute it and use it to take a sponge bath using papertowels if available. She said it worked great when soap and water was not available. Umbrellas and raincoats are a great idea. I've also left blankets, and coats with warm socks, gloves in the park on the benches I know the homeless sleep on. They disappear quickly. My homeless friend said that the best coats were those that came down below her knees. The short coats work well for us, but for her situation the long coats were more practical. She also said that she needed clean sheets that had been folded down the middle and sewn together like a 'sleeping bag.' Allowed her to 'line' her blankets and keep from having to wash them so often. It was easier to wash and dry her 'sheet' sleeping bag than all of her bedding. Toilet paper and paper towels were also favorites of hers. I think the best thing to do, rather than just deciding and giving them what YOU think they need is to talk to them and ask what THEY need. Some of the men who hang out in the library when it's cold have expressed they need laundry soap and change. And a place to wash clothes. The commercial coin-op laundry does not allow the homeless to use their facilities. There are a couple churches in the area that allow them in to use their washers/dryers and another laundrymat that will allow them in if they come late at night when customers are not there. Listen. Then help. SZ
Posted 5 months ago by SZ from Norfolk
We collect these from people to distribute as Hope Totes to the homeless at our 3-course community Easter meal. It's a wonderful take-home treat and always appreciated. After all, who doesn't love breaking into a brand new toothbrush?!
Posted 4 months ago by Michelle Porter from Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
thanks this is aweosme!
Posted 4 months ago by tosh from dallas
Don't forget women's sanitary products. This is a huge need that is often overlooked. Shelters that serve women are always very grateful to receive them as donations, and they would make a good addition to care packs.
Posted 4 months ago by Heron from Seattle
My daughter and I made up some Blessing Bags and added to your list above, we added snacks, vienna sausages with pull tab lid, prepackaged plastic ware, wet wipes to use in case they can't find any water to wash with. Also pocket size kleenex tissues and canned peanuts with pull tab. We also made pet blessing bags with a bag or two of dog food, small toy and dog treat. Most of the items we purchased at Dollar General and were priced at $1 apiece.
Posted 3 months ago by Karen Nance from Yukon, OK
My husband and I have carried care packs in our cars for the past two years. We include toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, a bottle of water and McDonalds gift card. We're always on the lookout for people on the corners or highway exits that we can bless with this simple gift.
Posted 3 months ago by Cindi from Grove City, OH
Today is a day of reflection and I appreciate and give thanks for your wonderful ideas Thank you all
Posted 3 months ago by Neicie from Arizona
I love this idea
Posted 3 months ago by Rita from Lisbon
There are a lot of good ideas in these comments. I will put them to good use! So inspiring!
Posted 3 months ago by Tony from Nicholasville,KY
We just made up some care packages today to hand out as we are driving & find people standing at the corners.... Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, soap, dental floss, bottled water, snack bars and cash. i would LOVE to add a simple poem or note if anyone has a good one the'd like to share!
Posted 3 months ago by Carrie from South Dakota
Well, when I visit a big city, I carry granola bars with me and hand them out to the various homeless people I run across.
Posted 2 months ago by Maria from Indiana