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.