Blessing Bags

Have you ever been reluctant or unable to reach out to people standing on a street corner with some handmade sign asking for help? Here is a meaningful, helpful and inexpensive way to lend a hand and feel good at the same time. Give that person a “Blessing Bag.”

A Blessing Bag is simply a quart zip-lock bag filled with useful items from the dollar store. Bags can be kept handy in any vehicle to distribute to those seen on street corners or medians. If you are concerned that a person is really in need and hungry, and not just wanting money for drugs or alcohol, this bag and a small amount of money might be the answer.

The following items are suggested options. Select a group that can be purchased for about $10. Of course, all the items below won't fit in a single bag, but you can decide on those you think most important. You could include a note card with an uplifting message/quote, a small book or even a Bible. You can also include info about support groups like Lodestar (Lodestardrc.org), CASS (cassaz.org), soup kitchens (homelessshelterdirectory.org), etc. (Consider using insulated cooler bags about the size of a plastic zip lock. Other options are backpacks on sale for a couple of dollars. These would hold more/larger things like a T-shirt.)

• Knit hat
• Knit gloves
• Socks (as thick as available)
• Granola / nut bars, sunflower seeds & nuts (careful, sometimes these are rancid in dollar stores)
• Peanut butter or cheese crackers
• Cookies
• Vienna sausage - usually 2-$1, or tuna with lids that can be opened, beef jerky, for protein
• Comb, fingernail file, nail cutter
• Toothbrush and small toothpaste & mouthwash (some come together in a bag)
• Baby wipes or wet wipes
• Candy - bars, hard candy
• Bar of soap - often come 3-$1 and perhaps washcloth
• Sewing kit, safety pins, buttons
• Shampoo, conditioner (small, like those hotels leave in the room)
• Plastic ware and paper napkin (often given free in take-out orders)
• Book to read, small Bible or New testament, Daily Word, Cayce booklet
• Packet raincoat or poncho
• Umbrella - can be found for only $1 (these are fairly well made, but they won't fit in a bag)
• Envelope and stamp and paper
• Small note book or pad, pen, pencil
• Small plastic bags
• Small bottled water
• Small box of dry dog food - $1 each - (for those with a dog)

You can add other items as you see fit.

With minimal effort and expense you can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. And you will be setting a great example to follow! So don't wait, put together some Blessing Bags today. Keep them in your vehicle and experience the joy of helping others, just like the Starfish Story that inspired the Logos Starfish Project.