Blessings in a Bag

Art by Lila Graves

Here are some suggestions for things to put in a bag that will bless others....you can call them Blessing Bags.  I listed items in a previous post but this is a more ambitious list.  I saw some lists on social media  with good suggestions, used some and added others based on my experience with the homeless.  If you put all this in a bag it can get a little "spendy" as my friend Jody says.  If you need to choose items to make a smaller bag, look at my list above, or see the suggestions at the bottom here.

By the way, something I learned in my work with those needing more is that one of the biggest challenges is having enough toiletries. They are expensive and if the person is on a food assistance program they may not be covered. Homeless people should only be given travel-sized items.  Large items can't be easily carried, and can be used to trade for alcohol, etc.  Plus, if you stay in a hotel just a few times a year you can store up an inventory of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.  Families that have little money can really use full-size toiletries, especially toilet paper.  That's one of the most expensive things they have to buy.  A very sad day for me was when I learned that low-income families often have to ration their TP, or use a substitute.  Pick up a package of individually-wrapped rolls and share.

Blessing Bags:
Gallon-size zip locks (seals well & can be reused)
Mini toothbrush and paste
Comb
Travel size bath soap; hand lotion
Travel size shampoo & conditioner
Small hand sanitizer
Pair of white tube socks (can also be used as gloves)
Razor
Small package of hand wipes (can be used to "bathe")
Trail mix
Granola Bars
Packaged cheese or peanut butter crackers 
Bottle of water or juice box
Uplifting reading or scripture

Nice to have but optional:  Deodorant, package of tissues, chap stick, band aids, mouthwash, tampons,  rain poncho (in a very small plastic package)

If you're really ambitious and have a group working, adding a roll of toilet paper and all of the above items to a larger plastic bag, sealed with a twist tie, can really bless someone!

More tips on delivering things to those in need 

in my next post.

Educate and Smile

God's gifts are amazing......look at the intricacy of these peonies.  God designed them for our pleasure, and His, and the bushes only bloom for a few short weeks.

We are also intricately designed, but have a life time of living that for many develops into a hardship that is very difficult to overcome.  In the U.S. even the homeless have a much better life than the majority of those living in developing countries.  Providing care for those in need isn't everyone's gift.  But if you are inclined to help them in some small way, educating yourself about the problem in your particular community and providing information for those you come in contact with can be the best way.

2-1-1

Communities of any size will have an information and referral service to direct people to services in the area.  Or by simply punching in the numbers 2-1-1 you can access information for anywhere in the United States.

From their web site:

*** "2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need.  We're here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

*** It is a service of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, the United Way and the organizations and programs that manage the 2-1-1 services in the state and local levels

Information is available in all languages, they can be reached from any cell phone or land line, and all calls are private and confidential.  

Give Them a List

Most communities will have a specialized written list of services available for those needing meal facilities, food bank vouchers, clothes closet, and free medical care.  And churches that serve those in need may also have the lists available.  Carrying copies of the list in your car and giving those to anyone you run across that seems to be in need is a great gift.  Many of those on the street corners will already know about these resources.  But there will be folks that do need this information - they may be new to your area, for example.  It's a way to show Christian love and support without giving cash.

Carry Food Sacks

Carrying small sacks of non-perishable food with you can be a life saver.  I carry them most of the year but it can be difficult to keep them fresh in the heat of the summer.  It isn't always safe to pull over to engage people, but if you're in a public place with lots of traffic it usually isn't a problem.  Acknowledgment of a person's plight and a few kind words can be very encouraging for those down on their luck.  

Here's some suggestions of things to include in a brown paper sack:

Canned chicken, tuna or sausage - make sure it has a pull top that doesn't require a can opener. (Protein)

Pop Tarts, etc.

Sleeves of crackers with peanut butter, cheese etc. (more protein)

Apple sauce in individual containers

Juice drinks such as Capri Sun

I put a plastic spoon and a napkin in zip lock bag.

Include an information and referral list and something encouraging - a small scripture card, small   New Testament, etc.

Concentrate on items with some nutrition and little sugar.  If you shop around and purchase in bulk you can keep your costs very low. I have found Wal-Mart to have the best prices.

With an open mind, a smile, and a little effort you can make a big difference in someone's life.

Why Not Cash?

LakeRidge United Methodist Church, Lubbock, TX

This is not a great picture but you can tell that I like it since I am posting this scripture again even though it's in my header.  Just a little reminder......Act justly and love mercy. 

So if you scroll down you'll see I'm discussing interaction (or lack thereof) with folks that appear to be homeless.  In my previous post I recommended that we should never give them cash.  I know that seems counter-intuitive.  They say they are homeless.  Meaning they have no money.  Meaning they must be hungry.  Meaning the've fallen on hard times and need us to give them money so they can go to McDonald's and buy dinner.  They are asking for money so they must really need it, right?

Well.....maybe.  But maybe not.  Don't criticize me because I sound like a cynic.  There will always be exceptions to every rule, of course.  But a certain percentage of those working the street corners are either: a) homeless because they want to be, -or- b) not really homeless, -or- c) have a decent enough income from disabilities, unemployment, etc.,  considering they don't have a full-time job, their own place to live requiring rent payments, upkeep, etc.,
-and- d) may be using deception and manipulation for survival.  

 Carpenter's Church in Lubbock, Tx is one of the best resources for learning to treat those in need with respect and understanding.  They provide a variety of services for those living on the street, from a day shelter and classes that can help move them toward a better life, to sustainable housing. I will write about them in more depth later, but quoting from their site:

Don't Give Cash:   We never give cash to people at Carpenter's or on the streets, no matter how compelling the story.  If you want to help, try to meet the need directly, i.e., instead of giving cash, buy a meal, fill up the tank with gas, etc. There are two primary reasons for this: One, because even with the best intentions, carrying cash around is a big temptation for most folks: and two, often there are organizations who have long-term experience and relationships with the people you want to help who are better equipped to meet the need.  When you give money to someone on the streets, at Carpenter's or at Wal-Mart, you're contributing to a system in which materially poor people do not have to work or seek real help; you teach them to beg.  Educate yourself ahead of time so that when someone asks you for money for food or general help or whatever, you can say, "You know there's a free meal just down the street at ______."  or "So-and-so organization helps with food vouchers.", etc.  Most of the time, the people you see panhandling outside Wal-Mart know more than you do about where to get help, and in our experience, are largely there for reasons other than food, shelter, gas, etc.

In future posts I'll discuss other ways to help those on the street.

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Food or Cash? Or........

THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTEREST AND COMMITMENT. WHEN YOU'RE INTERESTED IN DOING SOMETHING, YOU DO IT ONLY WHEN IT'S CONVENIENT. WHEN YOU'RE COMMITTED TO SOMETHING, YOU ACCEPT NO EXCUSES - ONLY RESULTS.
                                                                      Ken Blanchard
 (Courtesy of Values.com....Need inspiration? Check this site.)

Are you just interested in helping others, 
or are you committed?

Back to the discussion of whether to give cash or food to the homeless.

This is a topic that's often difficult for people to understand.  Especially for some of the homeless. There are a lot of opinions. Here's an example of something to do for anyone asking for help.

I often listen to Joel Osteen's radio "show" on satellite.  His messages really makes me think.  One day he told a story about driving to a meeting in Houston.....he was running late, was distracted and as always seems to happen to us in these situations, the traffic was horrible.  He came to an intersection frequented by panhandlers and there stood a young man with a sign stating he needed money.  In telling the story Joel laughed and explained that he basically said to himself  "Oh if I can just get through this intersection without having to stop I can avoid this guy - I have nothing to give him."  (How many times have we done that?  Eyes forward....don't make eye contact, certainly don't roll down the window!)  

But because Joel is better than most of us he did roll down his window and explained he literally had no cash on him, but that he wanted him to know the Lord loved him and has a plan for his life.  He invited him to visit Lakewood Church.  

Some time later the man did come to church, he eventually got his life together, finished school, got a job and became a contributing member of the community.  He later saw Pastor Osteen at a service and reminded him of their encounter, explaining that his comment to him on that street corner changed his life.  He told him that his grandmother used to tell him the Lord had a plan for him and at the time Joel saw him on the street his life was a mess....he was homeless, using drugs and alcohol, and estranged from his family. But when Joel spoke to him, something lit in his soul.  He remembered his grandmother's love and belief in him.  He knew he had to turn his life around, and he did.

You usually don't know when deeds or words of encouragement have a positive effect on someone.   Positive and encouraging words can be life changing.

In my next post I'll discuss other options that can benefit those in need.