Most of us want to do good in the world and help those less fortunate. We see images on the television, in magazines or on our own street corners, and wonder how we can make a difference. Sometimes we are reluctant to give cash because we are afraid of how it might be used. We are hesitant to bring a stranger into our car or home for food or shelter. What is a caring person to do? Well, I may have stumbled on an answer that might not be a great thing, but it is a small thing we can do with great love.
Recently, we had a project between services at our church where we filled up what we called Blessing Bags. In an assembly line fashion, we took gallon zip lock bags and went down the line, filling the bags with various items that could be helpful to those in need.. Once filled, we each took four or five of bags to put in our car to use when needed.
Items needed to create a Blessing Bag:
- Gallon zip lock bags
- Cough drops
- Granola bars
- Chapstick
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand warmers
- Bathing wipes
Once you have the basic items in the bag, you can “embellish” with other items of your choosing and the possibilities are almost endless. You can add travel size toiletries, bottles of water, cash, restaurant gift cards, or an inspirational message. Another idea would be to create a list of local agencies and churches that provide assistance.
The good news is that you can make these bags at home, often with items you already have on hand. You can also do this as a family activity, teaching children a simple way they can help those less fortunate. The nice thing is that once prepared, they are in a compact carrying case within reach of the driver in a car, ready to hand out.
I am not recomending that donations to the various agencies that support those in need should be discontinued. Organizations that provide services to the homeless and others in need are a necessary part of a vital community. But a Blessing Bag is another small gesture that could make a great difference in someone’s life today.
Good tidings,
Diane
