A Heart To Give : Homeless Care Packages
One of my close friends, when challenged with why she gives money to every homeless person she meets, responded “You can only control what is in your heart. If it’s in your heart to give, you should never stop yourself wondering how someone will use that gift.” That lesson has stuck with me and as my children grow, it’s one that I want to stick with them.
My son has always had an amazingly giving heart, one that challenges me at times. I’m always looking for new ways to help him act out his giving nature and see the change and hope he can bring to other people. One of the ways that has really resonated with him has been to put together homeless care packages. My same friend who taught me that lesson so long ago, also told me about packages she used to put together. She kept them in her car to share, particularly in the winter with gloves and socks. My son and I planned what went into the bags, and we made a special mommy/son trip to the dollar store. The rest we got from the grocery store, and ended up with two sets that each cost $8-12 per bag:
Summer Packages
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Comb
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Bandaids / Antibacterial ointment
- 2 cans of Vienna Sausages
- 2 Bottles of water
- 1 can of fruit cocktail
- 2 packs of crackers
Winter Packages:
- Pair of Gloves
- Toboggan / Hat
- Pair of Socks
- Bottle of Water
- 2 cans of Vienna sausages
- 2 packs of crackers
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
We carry a bag in the car at all times so we are ready if we see an opportunity to give. The response has been amazing and some of the comments have opened doors for more conversations with my children, from why some people find themselves without a home to how there can be children without homes. I don’t have all the answer to these questions, but I think the conversation is important to have.