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 this is 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 the 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:
So I got to organizing and sorting them:
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.
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!
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!)
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:
I stapled the note to the top of the bag, and secured it with a small square of tape at the bottom.
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!
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.
Truth. {via}
Seriously so inspiring. You are an amazing person. God bless you.
Thank you for your comment God bless YOU!
xo,
b
I use plastic gallon zip lock bags because they’re waterproof. God Bless!
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!
Thanks for your comment, Kim! I really appreciate your support! Hope you’re well 🙂
xo,
b
This is an amazing idea! You are a great person and I’m positive this will help a ton! 🙂
Thanks for your support, Corie!
xo,
b
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!
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
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
Thanks Grace! I’ll definitely keep you posted!
xo,
b
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!
Thanks, Nicole! You are so kind.
xo,
b
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/
Good stuff!
xo,
b
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.
Glad you make them too!
xo,
b
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…
Great point.
xo,
b
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!
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
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!
Good idea!
xo,
b
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!
Let me know how it goes!!
Xo,
B
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.
Wow, what a lovely idea! So amazing! Best of luck to you & all God’s blessings on your friend’s marriage!
xo,
b
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!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! I’m so glad that you’re doing the same thing!
xo,
b
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!
That’s awesome! Thanks for reading.
xo,
b
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!
Love it! God bless!
xo,
b
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!
Hey girl! So glad you were encouraged. Big hugs!
xo,
b
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.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Suzanne! 🙂
xo,
b
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!
Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
xo,
b
What a nice gesture. Next time think about adding feminine hygiene pads in the women’s bags, those are hard to come by.
Hey Melissa! 🙂 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. 🙂 Live and learn!
xo,
b
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!
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
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
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!
Great idea Blair! I’m going to copy cat and use a similar note for our church’s care packages going to Houston. 🙂
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.
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!
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.
Such a great idea. I wish there were more people like you in the world. So inspiring. God bless.
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