Create ‘Blessing Bags’ to Help Those in Need

I ran across something on Pinterest a few days ago that stopped me in my (virtual) tracks. It was something that someone had pinned and called a “Blessing Bag”–a  plastic, gallon-sized zipped bag full of travel size toiletries and some snacks (like packaged crackers). The person wrote in the comments to make them and keep in your car for homeless people. I thought, “This is just genius. Why didn’t I think of this?”

As I stared into the darkness of the wee morning today, I thought more about helping others and how this project–a gesture so small–could really mean something to others.You may not live in an area with homeless people visible on the streets, but there are homeless people around. Also, “homeless” doesn’t always mean the same for everyone. Think about the mom who took her kids to the shelter in the middle of the night to keep them safe, or the man who shows up at the church because he’s lost everything, or the social worker at the hospital who knows so many families who can’t even afford basic hygiene necessities like toothpaste and deodorant because they are losing their homes.

Wouldn’t it be great to drop off a few of these “blessing bags” here and there, at a moments notice, just to help someone who may need it? And, one of the best parts is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to do it. (My guess is that most of you could make one right now from what you have in your pantry and bathroom drawers or closets.) You can visit discount stores, or, even better, make it a pitch-in or donation group project with your coworkers, Bible study members, moms’ group or even your family.

If you have small kids who really don’t understand the meaning yet, have them decorate the bags with stickers or markers. Also, if you have friends or family members who travel, ask them to save all of those unused toiletries from the hotel. They are perfect for this purpose and way better than having them thrown away.

One of the things I love about this idea is that you don’t have to wait until Christmas–the “giving season”–to help others. This can be an ongoing project that your family or group works on year round!

Ideas for “Blessing Bags”

>> Travel size toiletry items: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, bar soap, hand or body lotion, deodorant

>> Toothbrush

>> Small brush

>> Small hand mirror

>> Shaving cream and razor

>> Lip balm

>> Travel sizes of acetaminophen or ibuprofen

>> Individually wrapped wet wipes (look for them in the paper plates’ aisle)

>> Small hand sanitizers

>> Small package of tissues

>> A couple of tampons/pantyliners(If you are making male and female specific bags, just write “For a Woman” or “For a Man” on the outside of the bag.)

>> Pen and small pad of paper

>> Snacks: Individually packaged crackers or nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, gum (I would avoid chocolate products since you don’t know how they are going to be stored if donating them.)

Blessing Bags for Kids

In addition to some of the toiletries and items listed above, make kid-specific bags with these items:

>> Small pack of crayons

>> Small notebook and/or coloring pages

>> Cards or card game

>> Socks

>> Small book or Bible

>> Balloons (deflated, of course)

>> Snacks: (in addition to those snacks listed above) Fruit or gummy snacks, individual bags of pretzels, suckers, fruit or applesauce cups (don’t forget to include a plastic spoon!)

I think it would also be nice to leave a note of encouragement. Sometimes, when you are experiencing tough times, a few words of wisdom or understanding from someone is better than anything else. If you don’t want to write personal notes, you can also achieve the same goal of support with quotes, Bible verses, or even copies of inspirational stories or magazine articles. You may want to include a laminated 3×5 index card with the numbers of helpful services like local shelters, clinics, or even a suicide prevention hotline number.

Clearly these are just a few ideas to get you started. Think about what you use or pack when you travel, or ask around to see what missionaries, social workers, teachers and others recommend for packages like this.

What are your ideas for “Blessing Bags”? If you make them, take a picture and leave a link to it in the comments. I would love to see them and/or hear your story on how you used them.

Tags: gbi, givebackin, helping, need, needy

Category: Feature, GiveBackIn