Care Bags for Support Organizations

Resources

Find an organization to support
- Call 2-1-1 to ask about organizations in your community.
- Find shelters, food pantries, and health clinics in your community.
- Find homeless assistance services in your community.
Find funding
- How will you fund your care bags?
- Self-funded: Determine your budget and stick to it.
- Community funded: Identify organizations in your community and ask them to help support your project.
Create & shop for your list of items
- Consider purchasing items in bulk.
Assemble, deliver, & debrief
- Package your kits individually unless the organization asks for bulk items.
- Schedule a time to deliver your items.
- Reflect on your experience.
- Share your story.

Hygiene items
- Pack of Kleenex
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Bandages
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Hand wipes and/or washcloth wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers
- Comb or small brush
- Disposable razor
Food items (non-perishable)
- Water or a sports drink
- Granola or breakfast bars
- Crackers, peanut butter, and a reusable utensil
- Dried fruit
- Tuna and crackers
Clothing/Weather Related items
- Socks
- Gloves and hats for cold weather
- Hand warmers
- Emergency Pancho
Personal notes
- Card of encouragement
- Resources through the United Way 2-1-1
- Support from 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

How did you feel while building the care bags?
What emotions did you experience when delivering the care bags?
Did you notice any changes in your feelings from the beginning to the end of this activity?
How did this experience change or reinforce your understanding of homelessness?
What did you learn from this experience that you can apply to future volunteer work?
What other volunteer activities or initiatives would you like to be involved in to help those in need?
How can you encourage others to participate in similar volunteer activities?