For a lot of people, the holiday season is a time to practice a little extra generosity, a little extra giving and a little extra goodwill towards man. It's a lot of fun to spoil our loved ones with presents and little extra gifts of love this time of year. But today, I want to challenge you to think outside of your circle to a group of people often ignored and forgotten.
The homeless. We have them in every single one of our towns. People who, for whatever reason, are struggling to get by. Some of them of veterans. Some of them are just down on their luck. But each and every one of them has a story, and each and every one is important. Yet how many of us ignore this marginalized part of society? I know I do, far too often.
Which brings me to today's way of giving back this holiday season: care packages to hand out to the homeless. This idea has become increasingly popular in the past few years, and you have probably seen posts about this type of thing on social media. Putting together and handing out care packages is such a simple task. Thanks to a blog post on theveteranssite.com, here are some tips for how to put together and deliver your care packages to the homeless in your community!
1) Toiletries.
What you should include: Baby wipes/face wipes/cleansing wipes, lip balm, unscented lotion, sunscreen.
What you should NOT include: Soap, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, scented products.
Here's why: Scented products like soaps and scented lotions are often put in the same bag as food products, which then makes the food taste like those products. We wouldn't our food to taste like Irish Spring soap, so let's not taint the supplies we are handing out! Anywhere homeless people have access to showers, they will also have access to soap. Baby wipes/cleansing wipes are much more portable, and will not flavor other items in the care package.
It's also best to leave out anything that has alcohol in it like mouthwash or hand sanitizer. I think this one has pretty obvious reasons. Remember, everyone has a story.
2) Food Items.
What you should include: Applesauce, pudding cups, trail mix, beef jerky, nonperishables.
What you should NOT include: Crunchy granola bars, hard foods, sticky foods or candies.
Here's Why: Dental care is expensive. I definitely do not go to the dentist nearly often enough, simply because I cannot spare the extra cash. Our friends living on the streets more than likely do not have regular access to dental care. So provide soft snacks that will be easy to eat. Beef jerky is highly sought-after, because it is filling and provides a lot of protein.
3) Misc. Items.
What you should include: Travel coffee mugs, gift cards (to grocery stores, etc.) socks, band aids, small first aid supplies
What you should NOT include: Cash, used items, shampoos, etc.
Here's why: A lot of people living on the street rely on their feet as their primary means of transportation. Warm, comfortable socks can go a long way! Travel coffee mugs sometimes offer discounts for refills (check with your local coffee joint).
Never include used items. This should be a no-brainer, but it needs to be stated. Remember, these people are just that. People. They are worthy of going the extra mile, and do not deserve to be treated like lesser members of society.
So once you have your care packages all packed up, in whatever container you choose, it's time to go spread some holiday cheer! Remember to hand deliver your packages. Check online for local homeless shelters if you don't know where to go. Or, if you pass by a particular spot that has become "home" to a friend living on the street, go there! Take some friends with you. This is just a smart practice for life. It's always better to go in groups. Now, I don't mean you need to take a small army with you, but a good life practice when going into an unfamiliar situation with people you don't know is to have a few companions with you. Plan to do this at a time where you can stay and chat with your new friends. Remember, these are people. They are not charity cases. They have stories, and just like the rest of us, they need to know that they are not forgotten, and that someone cares.
So what are you waiting for? Go start packing some care packages, and get ready to spread peace and good will!
-A.A.
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