Christmas bags for the homeless

Postby **Shellie** » November 29th, 2009, 11:50 am

Every year our church teams up with our motorcycle ministry and makes up 200 Christmas "gifts" for the homeless. Each bag contains a pair of socks, a pair of gloves, trial sized containers of shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. (we do not do mouthwash as some of the alcoholics will drink it)

The women's bags also contain lotion and feminine products.

We close each bag and add a Christmas card and candy cane to the outside.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of something else we could include in the bags.

PS.....We hand these out after serving a full traditional dinner!
We also challenged our HALO kids from Children's Church to bring a gift for a homeless child. (HALO stands for holy and anointed ones) So far, they have come up with 5 bicycles! They are really getting into the spirit of true Christmas and we are having a blast!

Linda · Postby **Linda** » November 29th, 2009, 12:06 pm

What about small food snack items, ie...pritzels, potato chips, peanuts, crackers with cheese or peanut butter, and all kinds of candies. These items would be in small bags or packs so would easily fit into your gift bags. Plus, you could add fruits...apples, pears, peaches, etc...in those small cans with the pull tops. That way they stay fresh.

What about hankerchiefs for men and women? Chapsticks or lip balm? Finger nail clippers? Winter scarves. What about lotion for the men?

Also, we include in ours, pencils and books..like "Search a Word" and "Crossword". Small pocket size Bibles are great also.

Hope this helps.

rjc · Postby **rjc** » November 29th, 2009, 5:38 pm

Instead of bags, we get backpacks donated and we fill them. Another item you can put in is the small flannel/fleece throw or blanket.

lady4jc · Postby **lady4jc** » November 29th, 2009, 5:58 pm

Maybe a brush for the ladies, combs for the men. Get some gift certificates from McDonalds or whatever fast food is near.

Postby **Shellie** » November 30th, 2009, 2:16 am

Thank You!!!

Love all the ideas!!

rjc, we do blankets separately. A lot of times we can find the fleece throws for $4 at Wal-Mart. I always load up on them after Christmas because they go down in price.

JohnDB · Postby **JohnDB** » November 30th, 2009, 3:40 am

Undergarments.

more socks.

These homeless people will not do laundry generally speaking. Even though they could...it is the last thing on their mind.

So...if and when they change socks they will want for another pair....or they will go without...

same goes for undergarments. (boxers or briefs are the best)

fezzik · Postby **fezzik** » November 30th, 2009, 10:46 am

How about during or after the dinner you set up a few computers and help those interested with resumes, job advice, counseling, etc.?

Full Quiver · Postby **Full Quiver** » November 30th, 2009, 10:54 am

I like this idea Shellie. Thanks for sharing!

forestwalker · Postby **forestwalker** » November 30th, 2009, 10:58 am

We've found that rain ponchos are much appreciated.

Jude 2