Sometimes, people who have a home do not place much value on those experiencing homelessness. Homeless individuals are in need of many things, including food, hygiene products, clothing, and baby supplies.
If you, too, have noticed this and are unsure how to help, consider preparing “Blessing Bags.”
Blessing Bags are small care packages filled with essential items—such as food, hygiene products, and season-appropriate clothing—that can offer comfort and dignity to a person experiencing homelessness.
What should you put in a Blessing Bag?
Here are some of the items we put into these blessings bags for the homeless.
Necessities
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- toothbrush travel covers
- deodorant
- floss
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- nail clippers
- $5 McDonald’s gift card
- $5 phone card
- quarters
- pens
- small notepad
- toilet paper
- feminine care products
- crackers
- granola bars
- dried fruit
- gum/mints
- candy bar
- instant oatmeal packets
- beef jerky
- canned tuna
- plastic spork (or camping spork)
- powdered drink mix
- socks
- bandaids
- neosporin
- cough drops
- lotion
- chapstick
- razor
- sunscreen
- mosquito repellant
- wind-up flashlight (no need for batteries!)
- hand sanitizer
- wet wipes/diaper wipes
- comb
- pain reliever (like tylenol or aspirin)
- inspirational quote on a notecard
- hand/foot warmers
- gloves
- laundry soap tabs
- dryer sheets
Inspirational Notes and Personal Touches
A blessing bag should not only meet physical needs but also provide emotional encouragement.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Matthew 6:34
You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe. You are loved by the King of infinite space and eternal time. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
You matter! Here are a few things to brighten your day and remind you that there is someone who cares about you.
Luck may not be on your side right now, but let this bag remind you that you are important!
The least significant person in the world is worth more than galaxies and worlds to our Heavenly Father. Gordon B. Hinckley
Handwritten notes often feel more personal and meaningful.
How to Share Your Blessings Bags for the Homeless
Distributing “Blessing Bags” requires a respectful approach focused on safety, human connection, and local distribution networks. You can hand them out directly during your daily commute or coordinate bulk deliveries with registered community organizations.
Ask First: Approach with a simple question—such as, “Would you like a bag containing some food and basic necessities?”—to respect their personal decision.
Acknowledge Their Humanity: Make eye contact, smile, and offer a warm greeting to counteract the dehumanizing isolation often felt by people experiencing homelessness.
Vehicle Storage: Keep 2 or 3 prepared bags (gallon-sized) in your vehicle’s center console or door pockets for easy, safe access while waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
Respect Boundaries: If someone declines the gift or asks for cash instead, accept their decision politely without insisting on handing them the item.
Prioritize Safety: Distribute aid kits in well-lit public spaces or directly from your vehicle’s window, rather than venturing into isolated areas.
Where to Donate Large Quantities
If you organize a packing drive and assemble bags in bulk, contact local infrastructure networks to distribute them efficiently:
Homeless and Youth Shelters: Call local emergency overnight shelters or transitional housing centers to find out if they can accept pre-packaged kits in bulk.
Food Pantries: Community food banks often distribute personal hygiene kits alongside food boxes.
Street Outreach Teams: Look for local mobile medical or social outreach groups that visit informal settlements directly.
Faith-Based Ministries: Many community churches operate active clothing closets and soup kitchens that accept direct donations.
