Susann Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Isn't this a wonderful idea! http://kwavs.blogspot.com/2011/05/blessing-bags-how-to.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 You know - that would be a great way to use all the soaps, shampoos, etc. from hotels.... This is a wonderful idea. I used to drive around with $10 gift cards to McDonald's to hand out, but that got expensive.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susann Posted December 20, 2011 Author Share Posted December 20, 2011 Oh, good idea about the hotel toiletries! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Cool idea! We were just talking about this very thing today. We're going to get some Arby's, McDonald's, etc. coupon books or gift cards (whatever they do now) and keep those in the car to hand to them. You are correct in that I do NOT want to hand them money. Coupons for fast food places are tickets into a warm place where they are allowed to stay a while as long as they buy something. Otherwise, many restaurants won't let them come inside. Here, these sorts of places are open earlier in the morning, before the downtown library and other hang out places open up. So these types of things are really important to them in winter, as they provide entre to warmth in the early morning hours when it is often coldest.... I'm thinking now that having some of these sorts of kits on hand would go a long way, too.... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 I've seen something similar here, put out by a Mission. They suggest some of the items, but instead of soap they suggest baby wipes to use because water is typically not available; bus tickets/tokens, and a list of phone numbers of local shelters, missions & soup kitchens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Our young adults group at church was all excited about putting together something like this, but a local organization who works with the homeless discouraged them. My understanding is that they said it was better to direct people who are homeless to organized care, like homeless shelters where they could get more holistic help. What often happens is that the items in the bags get bartered or sold for items you'd probably not be happy giving, like cigs or alcohol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Yeah, we have a mission here who gives out backpacks filled with things.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltop Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Our young adults group at church was all excited about putting together something like this, but a local organization who works with the homeless discouraged them. My understanding is that they said it was better to direct people who are homeless to organized care, like homeless shelters where they could get more holistic help. What often happens is that the items in the bags get bartered or sold for items you'd probably not be happy giving, like cigs or alcohol. I have received the same advice from someone who works with the homeless too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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