How To Make a Homeless Care Kit That Helps

A couple of years ago, I was cleaning out closets and set aside a few gently used blankets to donate to Goodwill. As it usually does, one closet turned into the whole house and suddenly I had a big pile of stuff to donate – blankets, reusable tote bags, reusable water bottles from tech conferences, and travel-size toiletries were just a few of the things that had accumulated throughout my house. 

Having volunteered for many years with an organization in San Francisco supporting youth homelessness, I knew many of these items were always in high demand. So rather than donating them to Goodwill, I decided to put the items into care bags for people experiencing homelessness. I now make a few bags every year and it has become one of my favorite ways to give back because I can get my kids involved and I am meeting people where they’re at, with items that can make an immediate impact.

Start with a reusable shopping bag, and then add the following:

1. Something Warm

This whole idea came from blankets I wanted to donate, so now I always include one. If you don’t have any to donate at the moment there are a lot of great inexpensive options. You could buy a gently used blanket at Goodwill, wash it, and tie a nice ribbon on it. Other affordable options are these IKEA throws for $3.99 or these from Target for $16.00. Other warm ideas would be large men’s coats or sweatshirts, knit beanies, and gloves. 

2. New Socks

Everyone deserves new socks. Buy this package of men’s Hanes socks and add a couple of pairs to each bag. 

3. Wrapped Snacks or Food

Include some canned goods (low sodium, pop-top lids), individually wrapped high-protein snacks, and remember to include a spoon if you’re adding something that isn’t a convenience item.

4. Reusable Water Bottle

Anyone who works, or has worked, at a tech company, marketing agency, or really any office job has at least one reusable water bottle they’ll never use. Don’t pass up that branded bottle, give it to someone in need. 

5. Hygiene Items

In addition to all the normal hygiene items, definitely include a face mask for COVID. 

• Band aids (big ones to cover blisters)
• Deodorant
• Wet wipes or bath wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Tampons or pads
• Neosporin or antibiotic ointment
• Lotion / sunscreen / chapstick
• New face mask

Other tips and considerations:

• Keep a bag in your front seat or within easy reach behind the driver seat to give out when exiting the freeway or at a stoplight.
• Consider adding cash or a gift card for food.
• Get your kids involved in picking out food and stuffing the bags.
• Always take the toiletries from hotels and save them for this exact use!
• If you don’t want to make a full bag I suggest starting a ‘drop box’ at your office where coworkers can bring donations or toiletries from business trips. Once a quarter, drop the items at a local shelter. (I did this at two past companies and it was always very well received!)