How to Make Blessings Bags for the Homeless + Free Printable
Help the men and women on the street with these blessings bags for the homeless that you can make with your kids and keep in your car to hand out. Free printable included!
How many times have you stopped at an intersection and seen people begging on the corner?
It happens to us on a weekly basis, and it’s heartbreaking.
(If you’re judging them, read this post on why you should be throwing stones at others.)
We rarely carry cash with us, and for a long time, we didn’t have anything to give.
Until we started couponing.
With couponing, we get grocery items for free and we have quite a large gift closet.
Once every few months, we go through all of the items we’ve collected for free (or under a quarter) that we won’t be using ourselves and use them to create these blessing bags for the homeless!
We grab some gallon-size Ziploc bags and fill each one with items that could be useful to those who are reduced to asking for help from strangers on the street.
What to Put in Your Blessings Bags for the Homeless
Here are some of the items we put into these blessings bags for the homeless. You can find great deals for many of them in our Facebook Amazon deals group!
Necessities
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- toothbrush travel covers
- deodorant
- floss
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- nail clippers
- $5 McDonald’s gift card
- $5 phone card
- quarters
- pens
- small notepad
- toilet paper
- feminine care products
- crackers
- granola bars
- dried fruit
- gum/mints
- candy bar
- instant oatmeal packets
- beef jerky
- canned tuna
- plastic spork (or camping spork)
- powdered drink mix
- socks
- bandaids
- neosporin
- cough drops
- lotion
- chapstick
- razor
- sunscreen
- mosquito repellant
- wind-up flashlight (no need for batteries!)
- hand sanitizer
- wet wipes/diaper wipes
- comb
- pain reliever (like tylenol or aspirin)
- inspirational quote on a notecard
- hand/foot warmers
- gloves
- laundry soap tabs
- dryer sheets
Inspirational Notes + Free Printable
Here is a list of scriptures and quotes you could include with your blessings bags for the homeless.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Matthew 6:34
You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe. You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
You matter! Here are a few things to brighten up your day and to remind you that there is someone concerned for you.
You may be down on your luck right now, but let this bag remind you that you are important!
The least significant person in the world is worth more than galaxies and worlds to our Father in Heaven. Gordon B. Hinckley
You can download these inspirational thoughts as a PDF or use the image below:
How to Share Your Blessings Bags for the Homeless
We keep about 5 blessings bags for the homeless in each of our cars. Sometimes we pass more than one homeless person on a drive downtown, so we like to have several available.
They are under the passenger side front seat in our car, so the driver can easily reach them at a stoplight. They wouldn’t do much good in a trunk! (Nor would it be safe to stop and take them out at a traffic light, even if the light is red.)
As you share them, keep in mind this quote by Albert Schweitzer:
I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy will be those who have sought and found a way to serve.
Blessings Bags from Other Bloggers
Here are some of our favorite blessing bags for the homeless from other bloggers!
How to Pack a Blessing Bag + Free Printable Checklist
Blessing Bags are a thoughtful way to provide essential items that provide comfort to those experiencing homelessness. By keeping these bags on hand, you can offer immediate assistance with personal items to individuals in need or donate them to organizations that support the homeless community.
Our FREE Printable Checklist makes it easy to assemble Blessing Bags with items such as non-perishable food, feminine hygiene products, socks, water bottles, care kits, and more basic needs. With these homeless bags, you and your family can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and spread kindness wherever you go.
Blessing Bag Meals - #ShareAMeal with those in Need
Blessing Bag Meals are like care packages for people without homes. They have food and important things to help. Whether we are creating blessing bags to give them directly or to shelters, they show we care about others.
These bags are more than just bags; they're a sign of hope, saying everyone deserves kindness. Blessing Bag Meals give real help and make people feel better, showing that better times are coming.
Thanksgiving Blessing Bags
Blessing Bags go beyond Thanksgiving; they're a thoughtful gesture for any day when we reflect on our blessings. These care packages are designed with care to assist the homeless. They consist of specific packages, including a breakfast care package with orange juice, oatmeal, granola bar, and raisins; a snack care package featuring dried fruit, granola bar, individual drink mix packets, individually packaged cheese and crackers, and mints.
Additionally, there are specialized bags for foot care and cold weather. The personal care section includes lotion, lip balm, razor, washcloth, candy, and samples of perfume and makeup.
Whether distributed directly or through shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries, these Blessing Bags exemplify communities uniting to support those in need, offering both comfort and hope on holidays and everyday moments alike.
BLESSING BAGS: TEACHING CHILDREN TO GIVE – THE GIFTED GABBER
Recently, I've been considering how to teach my daughter about kindness and generosity. I've wondered about the right time – when she's little or when she's older. Surprisingly, the first lesson happened during a toy clean-out. What truly surprised me was a recent shopping trip with my daughter, Scooter Britches, where she unexpectedly taught me a big lesson in compassion.
While we were putting together blessing bags for winter, I saw how much she cared about helping those who have less. Her eagerness and understanding of why it's important to give back really touched me.
It reminded me that even the littlest ones can make a big impact. Doing simple acts of kindness, like making blessing bags, helps teach our kids about being kind and generous. It builds a compassionate spirit that will stick with them as they grow up.
Blessing Bags for Homeless – Cold Weather
Blessing Bags for the homeless, especially during cold weather, go beyond providing essentials by offering warmth, comfort, and dignity. These curated packages include basics like food, clothes, and personal hygiene items, with additional personal touches such as a thick pair of socks, gloves, a hat, a warm knit cap for winter, a baseball cap or sun hat for the summer, a blanket, and a waterproof tarp.
Distributed during extreme weather, these bags not only address immediate needs but also symbolize compassion and generosity within our communities, providing hope and warmth amidst the cold for those in need.
Blessings Bag
Looking to bring some sunshine into someone's day? Whether you want to help those in need, support the homeless, or surprise a neighbor, a blessings bag is a wonderful way to spread positivity. And guess what? You can snag some fantastic deals on everyday essentials for women in shelters, the homeless, or young women who might be experiencing period poverty.
I used to be an avid couponer, always looking for those HOT savings to build up my stockpile. Stores like Dollar General are fantastic for stocking up on items like tampons, pads, shampoo, soaps, and even undergarments. It's a simple and cost-effective way to make a difference and bring a smile to someone's face!
Blessing Bags for the Homeless- Foot Care
When you're putting together Blessing Bags for the Homeless – Foot Care, it's handy to use a plastic seal-top bag. It keeps everything clean, all in one place, and you can even use it for other things later on.
I can't stress enough how much your donation of a foot care blessing gift bag really can mean to someone.
When you're a homeless person, taking care of your feet is a big deal. Socks, something rarely donated, are crucial. You can create care packages with a family or a group, even with kids. For those without a home, comfy feet are a luxury. Their socks and shoes are often old, ill-fitting, and not great quality – not comfy at all. Socks and foot care items are rarely donated, making it tough for the homeless. Having worked at a place helping people without homes, I can tell you, that socks (and underwear) were rarely donated. Your donation of a foot care blessing bag means a lot.
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Thank you for sharing this! This is absolutely wonderful and I can’t wait til my husband and I get our bags started!
Oh yay! You’re welcome!!
This is such a GREAT idea! Especially for getting kids involved with helping their communities. I love putting a touch of inspiration in the bags. We always filled up brown bag lunches for the homeless shelter as a school project. The little ones would decorate the outside of the bag. I think writing encouraging messages would be another great way to integrate this project. Thanks so much for the idea!
Often wondered how I could help others in need. This is a wonderful idea I will definitely try. Thanks for sharing.
This is so very Charitable I love it. I am definitely gonna do some. Thanks very much
Sometimes the most significant things that we can do, are the most simple. Thank you for sharing this post and reminding us of what we can do.
These are such a great idea. I keep wanting to make a few bags to keep in my car to give away. They can be such a blessing.