How to Assemble a Hygiene / Help Kit for the Homeless

There are many homeless people around the town where I work because it is in between 2 interstates.

While I don't feel comfortable giving people cash, I would like to do something to help.

My friend Colby assembled a hygiene / food kit for the homeless at her Bible school this week and I was honored to be able to give it to someone today. Colby, who is 9 has inspired me to assemble my own kits and keep a couple in my car to give away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small bar of soap
• Trial size toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Washcloth
• Deodorant
• Trial size shampoo
• Comb
• Disposable Razor
• Tissues/Kleenex
• Hand sanitizer
• Bottled water
• Juice box
• Beanie Weenies
• Can of Ravioli
• Crackers
• Individual bag of chips
• Plastic silverware
• Miscellaneous items

1. HYGIENE ITEMS
   If you are going to make several bags to give out, you may consider going to a local hotel and asking for some bars of soap, shampoo. Your dentist may provide you some toothbrushes and sample sized toothpaste.
   
   Wal-Mart has excellent deals on washcloths. Just something so someone can "freshen up". Include a comb.

2. FOOD AND DRINK ITEMS
   Consider putting in some beanie weenies, ravioli, bottled water, packet of gum, (depending on the weather - chocolate), peanut butter crackers, granola bar, wet wipes, disposable silverware, packet of soup and cocoa, hard candy, juice box.

3. MISCELLANY
   You can print off some crossword, word search, sudoko puzzles off of the internet, include a pen or pencil maybe a pack of playing cards. Maybe a stamped envelope and piece of paper for a letter (Closer to Christmas - put in a few Christmas cards and stamps and other items to bring some cheer). You may want to include a pocket New Testament, or a small book. A plastic rain parka may also be helpful depending on the season.

4. ASSEMBLING YOUR BAGS
   Colby had assembled her bag in one of the paper bags with a twine handle. It was more durable than a regular paper bag, was able to hand off easily. She had taken the time to decorate her bag and written an inscription.
   This step can be as elaborate or simple as you choose. You may find a knapsack or carry bag that is inexpensive, but durable.
   If you take the time to make it special, the person that you hand this bag to will feel special as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Challenge your church or social organization to assemble these kits and look for opportunities to give the kits away.
• Depending on the season, there are many other things you can include in your bag - gloves, or hand warmers in the winter, a small hand held battery operated fan in the summer.
• Don't forget to ask for donations from hotels or dental offices for some of the hygiene items.
• Your favorite fast food restaurants may donate some disposable silverware and wet naps.
• Use coupons to get items at a lower price.
• Be safe when handing out your bag, daylight or well-lit areas, high traffic.
• Be cautious, don't let anyone get in your car.

Resources

• eHow Article - Give Generously Without Breaking the Bank
• eHow Article - Give Generously, Community Service Version

[Gourmet2Go]

on 1/8/2009 great article, something I think my children and I should do, thanks for the idea!

[veryirie]

on 11/18/2008 Desula, this is a wonderful article. We have a lot of homeless people here too and this hygiene/help kit is an outstanding idea! Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm always looking for ways to help others and this is fantastic!

[Browneyes2]

on 9/15/2008 I alway give the homeless money, so they can go buy something they need or want, kind of make them fell like apart of the community

[tunaforlife]

on 9/9/2008 Sorry, I forgot to rate the article.

[tunaforlife]

on 9/9/2008 This is great! Thank you for taking the time to post this. If you get a chance please check out my site, www.tunaforlife.com which is dedicated to simple ideas, such as this, for feeding the homeless.

Walkaboutangel, the idea actually started with pop top cans of tuna. It is very high in protein and anyone can open it. We also have published the idea of putting together a kit. You can read about it on our Myspace page www.myspace.com/tunaforlife