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Blessing Bags for the Homeless

September 10, 2013 by Blair Lamb Filed Under: Giving Gifts

I’m in my car a lot these days. Each morning on my way to work (30-45minutes) and each evening on my way back home (another 30-45minutes), plus heading to the grocery store, the gym, Target, and other errands. (Y’all, Texas is big. It’s no big deal to drive 25 minutes to get to a favorite restaurant, whereas in Maryland, for example, that’s ridiculously far!)

Anyway, spending all this time in my car, I have seen a lot of homeless men and women around the city of Austin. After hearing the man who wrote Under The Overpass speak a few years ago, I always try to give these men and women eye contact, a smile, and a wave. I do not feel comfortable handing out money. There’s simply too much of a risk that the money will not be used for non-essentials, and I’m on far too tight of a budget (not to mention have a serious ethical dilemma) to be funding any sort of self-destructive behavior. (Update: I’ve gotten a bit of backlash from this comment. I realize not every homeless person is a junkie or an alcoholic, but I believe in writing the honest truth. And thisΒ isΒ the honest truth–I refuse to hand out cash. You don’t have to like it and you certainly don’t have to agree!)

But I really, really wanted to help. It broke my heart every time I saw a person on the streets, begging for help.

Aside from feeling like I should help, God asks us to help those who are less fortunate than us…

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to theΒ Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

-Proverbs 19:17-

So I decided to brainstorm. And here’s what I came up with: Blessing Bags. I thought if I fill up brown paper bags with food, hygiene items, and other essentials, I know that I am helping those who are less fortunate, spreading Love, and meeting needs.

So, with a budget of around $50, I headed to The Dollar Store and Walgreens, and picked up the following items:

  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Combs
  • Deodorant
  • Antibacterial wet wipes
  • Chocolate Pudding
  • Applesauce
  • Plastic spoons (for above 2 items)
  • Peanuts
  • Crackers
  • Chewing gum
  • Hard candy
  • Water bottles
  • Brown paper bags

First they were a HOT mess:

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

So I got to organizing and sorting them:

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

I then used pink and blue markers to mark each bag–a pink heart for women, and blue cross for men. I placed more girly items into the pink-heart bags (Secret deodorant instead of Old Spice, a purple toothbrush, etc.) and more manly items into the blue cross bags. I know it’s not wholly important, but homeless people are humans, with preferences and opinions, and I think it’s right to try to honor that.

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Then, I placed 4 pink heart bags and 4 blue cross bags into a crate and filled them to the brim with personal hygiene items, food, and candy!

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

Once they were full, I folded over the top and stapled them shut, making sure the pink or blue marking was still visible. (I still had some items leftover, they went into storage for the next round of Blessing Bags!)

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

I then hopped onto my computer to write a short note to attach to the outside of each bag. Here’s what I came up with:

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

I stapled the note to the top of the bag, and secured it with a small square of tape at the bottom.

IMG_1207

IMG_1209

The final step was simple–I transferred the crate full of Blessing Bags into the back seat of my car. I made sure to place them on the right-hand side, so that they’re easily within reach if I’m at a stoplight. I also made sure that the pink and blue markings were visible from my seat, so there’s no guesswork when I’m passing on a gift to one of God’s children!

Blessing bags for the homeless | Blair Blogs

I’m admittedly nervous about handing these out…there’s always that bit of fear that creeps up…but the Lord has been shaking fear right out of my life in the recent weeks, and I know that a drop of hope can make all the difference. Praying that these bags are one drop.

CharacterTruth. {via}

Comments

  1. Jacqueline says

    September 10, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Seriously so inspiring. You are an amazing person. God bless you.

    • Blair Menzel says

      November 15, 2013 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you for your comment God bless YOU!

      xo,
      b

    • Rhonda says

      December 7, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      I use plastic gallon zip lock bags because they’re waterproof. God Bless!

  2. Kim Coleman says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Blair-

    I am so impressed by you and your faith. Your Aunt Sharon told the Porchlight group about your blog. I have truly enjoyed reading it. You are an amazing young woman!

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Kim! I really appreciate your support! Hope you’re well πŸ™‚

      xo,
      b

  3. Corie says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    This is an amazing idea! You are a great person and I’m positive this will help a ton! πŸ™‚

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 10, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks for your support, Corie!

      xo,
      b

  4. Cecily Pereira says

    September 10, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I just signed up to get emails about your blog because I saw a post about you on Pinterest and are you ever a blessing. I can’t help thinking God put that post up there just so I would see it and subscribe. I’m so glad God had you to help him do his work. God bless, and I can’t wait to read more!

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 10, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      Wow, thanks for the encouragement Cecily! (Beautiful name, by the way!) My goal is always to be the Lord’s hands and feet, and I often fall waaay short, so I appreciate the support!

      God Bless YOU!

      xo,
      b

  5. Grace Murray says

    September 10, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Blair-
    Great idea! I’ll want to hear how things go when you do hand these out. I’m sure the recipient will be grateful beyond words. Keep up your positivity!
    Hope all is well–Miss you!
    -Grace

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 10, 2013 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks Grace! I’ll definitely keep you posted!

      xo,
      b

  6. Nicole says

    September 11, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Had to tell you that this is a great idea, Blair! Its easy to tell you will do a lot of good in this world for so many people, one selfless gesture at a time!

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 11, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Thanks, Nicole! You are so kind.

      xo,
      b

  7. Kevin L says

    September 14, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Check this out (as well as the rest of the site):

    http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2013/09/what-would-jesus-do-to-help-homeless-youth/

    • Blair Menzel says

      September 14, 2013 at 3:51 pm

      Good stuff!

      xo,
      b

  8. Faith says

    November 4, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Awesome!! I also make these and collect other items to give out to the homeless shelters near me. But one little note, I noticed you put a plastic water bottle in the bag to leave in your car. That can be dangerous as the heat can make the chemicals in the plastic seep into the water. You should keep the water bottles in your house and take them with you if you go on a car ride.

    • Blair Menzel says

      November 5, 2013 at 9:45 am

      Glad you make them too!

      xo,
      b

    • Danielle says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:58 am

      The water bottles are transported in hot trucks, so the only way to avoid chemicals is to not drink out of plastic at all. Water in plastic is better than no water at all…

      • Blair Menzel says

        July 1, 2014 at 2:42 pm

        Great point.

        xo,
        b

  9. Kaitlin says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:18 am

    These are so great! We are making these as a group at bible study! Do you have the little note as a printable or document? I would love to be able to use it if you are willing to share! Thank you so much! Blessings and thank you for sharing!

    • Blair Menzel says

      December 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Kaitlin! I’m so glad that you’re going to make blessing bags for your community…you’ll have a great time making them and an even better time blessing people. I unfortunately didn’t save the printable I made (so sorry!), but feel free to copy mine verbatim.

      xo,
      b

  10. Simona says

    December 26, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Hello from Europe and Merry Christmas! This is a great idea and very nobel act of yours. I will certainly use it in my hometown! Still, I’d rather replace the chapstick, sunsreen, deodorant, chewing gum and some other items. Not that they are bad but if you’re homeless you would definitely trade the chapstick and the chewing gum for some more food. More calorie rich food and some fruit.
    God bless you!

    • Blair Menzel says

      December 28, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Good idea!

      xo,
      b

  11. mandanichole56 says

    December 29, 2013 at 12:43 am

    I have had the same idea to make something like this for my daily commute to work, but so far it has just been an idea instead of an action. I think stumbling across this was what I needed to actually do it! Thanks so much for your inspiration!

    • Blair Menzel says

      December 29, 2013 at 6:27 pm

      Let me know how it goes!!

      Xo,
      B

  12. C says

    January 15, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    You picked the PERFECT verse and thoughts to remind those people that they are Children of God and how much He values and loves them! Great items too… A good mix of the practical and special treats.

    We are going to use this as a Bridal Shower activity. In the invitation each guest will be asked to use some or all of their gift budget to bring an item to include in the Blessing Bag so we can “shower” love on others in need as well as the bride! She saw your post on Pintrest and was inspired! Bless you!

    C.

    LOVE GOD. LOVE OTHERS. NO REGRETS.

    • Blair Menzel says

      January 16, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Wow, what a lovely idea! So amazing! Best of luck to you & all God’s blessings on your friend’s marriage!

      xo,
      b

  13. life0truth0zombies says

    April 18, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    I have been doing the same thing when I have the money to do it. I make up Happy Heart bags for men and women and I write a note for them when I see them. I have to tell you, the words are from God, when I read what you wrote on your note, it’s the same thing! Blessings to you and may His light and Love continue to shine thru you!

    • Blair Menzel says

      April 22, 2014 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! I’m so glad that you’re doing the same thing!

      xo,
      b

  14. Drake says

    July 7, 2014 at 9:11 am

    Thank you Blair! My parents have recently moved to Atlanta, and I expect to go home from college to see them every 3 or 4 weeks and it’s been on my heart to start making these. I just wasn’t sure what kind of things/food would be useful to put in there and also that won’t melt. Thank you for sharing!

    • Blair Menzel says

      July 9, 2014 at 7:53 pm

      That’s awesome! Thanks for reading.

      xo,
      b

  15. James says

    October 25, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    Hi Blair,
    Your ideas will help me with my own blessings bags that the Lord has recently led me to make. Like you, I pass homeless folks regularly on my way to and from work and want to extend a little comfort and hope in Jesus! Thank you for the blog. God bless you!

    • Blair Menzel says

      November 16, 2014 at 7:59 pm

      Love it! God bless!

      xo,
      b

  16. ellebarb1957 says

    February 7, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    Hay gal,, I needed to land at your blog today,,,you gave me a very good feeling inside my soul,,,Thank you for reminding me that none of us walk this life alone,,Jesus is always here with me & you & everybody!

    • Blair Menzel says

      February 9, 2015 at 11:57 am

      Hey girl! So glad you were encouraged. Big hugs!

      xo,
      b

  17. Suzanne says

    June 6, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    That is such a good idea! I, too, refuse to give money but a gift bag is a nice replacement and still makes people feel important.

    • Blair Menzel says

      June 8, 2015 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks for reading and commenting, Suzanne! πŸ™‚

      xo,
      b

  18. Desiree Maes says

    September 6, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    i love this! We did something very similar with our church. So simple and yet people are always so appreciative! God Bless you for sharing and inspiring others. I just started writing my blog a couple of months ago and just stumbled upon yours and it encouraged me so much. Thank you! Keep fighting the good fight sister!

    • Blair Lamb says

      September 8, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Thank you for the encouragement! πŸ™‚

      xo,
      b

  19. morewithlessmom says

    November 19, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    What a nice gesture. Next time think about adding feminine hygiene pads in the women’s bags, those are hard to come by.

    • Blair Lamb says

      November 19, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      Hey Melissa! πŸ™‚ Thanks for reading! Yes, this post is definitely out of date. Since I wrote it, I have spent more time working with the homeless, and there are definitely some things I’d add/change, one of them certainly being feminine hygiene products. Great suggestion! Also, I’d add more substantial food (like protein bars), and a pamphlet of local homeless shelters and ministries. πŸ™‚ Live and learn!

      xo,
      b

  20. Sarah says

    January 19, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    So how did it go? Handing the bags out, I mean? I’m making my own right now & also feeling a little nervous about talking to the recipients. P.S. I’m stealing your text for my bags because it’s so beautiful–hope you don’t mind!

  21. Joyce says

    November 12, 2016 at 7:12 am

    Dear Blair,

    You set a beautiful example of Gods love. My friends and I are embarking on a similar journey this Sunday in NYC. We are excited to demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in need. I will pray for you and your ministry, thank you for sharing your story.

    Blessings,
    Joyce from Jersey

  22. Kar says

    December 16, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Your Blog is a great Inspiration to me and I’m sure to all who read you.
    I have always loved the idea of Blessing Bags – in the past, I have gone and bought a sandwich/coffee and looped around on the freeway to give the food to a Homeless soul.
    I plan to put together bags and carry in my vehicle.

    Thank you for such a GODly blog and your Honest comments.
    Kar

  23. Sara K says

    February 26, 2017 at 4:42 am

    I found your blog doing some research on putting together my own bags for all the homeless folks here in the Bay Area CA. I saw another comment about chapstick and such not being as important as food, but I think these are small things that we take for granted that can bring small bits of joy and relief to people in need and it’s a great idea. I’m also going to included tampons in my packs for women (just another difficult part of being a woman on the streets) and ibuprofen two-pill packs in my bags (for any type of minor pain – cramps, headaches etc).

    Thanks for the tips and inspiration!

  24. Carolyn Holl says

    September 27, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Great idea Blair! I’m going to copy cat and use a similar note for our church’s care packages going to Houston. πŸ™‚

  25. Chao says

    January 16, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing! This is a great idea! If you dont mind, I’m going to use the same passage and ideas to start my own care package.

  26. dgyelle says

    September 4, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    You are so awesome. I’m in charge of our churches womens’ outreach group and we were planning on doing this very thing but also including a resource brochure for free meals and shelter around the area. I would like permission to use your note on the front. GOD BLESS YOU AND THOSE YOU ARE OFFERING HOPE TO!

  27. Terri Mendoza says

    October 20, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    God bless you for what your doing. One thing you might want to include in the bag is socks. Our church feeds the homeless and give bags with Toiletries and snacks. But socks are always requested. Especially on cold days. When we gave out socks,we noticed they went for the black and gray ones. Since white is harder to keep clean. And a deck of cards is good to keeps them occupied. Not all are homeless by choice. And the woman ask for perfume. They say they would like to smell good. Dollar tree has some spray mist for a dollar that smell good. Even body wash with perfume scents. And Walmart has cheap wash cloths ,that’s good to give also. And in the winter we buy the blankets at Walmart that cost 2.50, get 2 and cut 2 inch slits all around .Lay them on top of each other and tie knots all around. Makes it thicker. So 5 dollars makes one blanket. Just an idea. Keep up the good work.

  28. Betty says

    December 15, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    Such a great idea. I wish there were more people like you in the world. So inspiring. God bless.

  29. Jacky says

    March 22, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    Hi Blair, I recently presented this idea to my District, they are so anxious to get started. Be blessed in your assignment. We all feel the “LOVE”. We are going to label each one BAG OF LOVE!!!!!!
    Jacky from Jacksonville

Hey, I’m Blair!

Blair Lamb | BlairBlogs.com

Thanks for stopping by!
I'm a small town Texas transplant, wife, and mom to two. I believe in intentional living in lieu of the world's breakneck pace and write honestly with the hope of encouraging other women. Grab a cup of warm and enjoy!
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