Recently I was inspired by a post on a blog that I follow. Not only was I inspired, but the kids and I took action on it. We have had bitterly cold temperatures here for the first part of January and we have thanked God every day for our warm house. While being thankful for what we have, it reminded us of the many that are without proper shelter even in our local community. The kids and I came up with a list of things that we could put in ziploc bags and keep in the car to hand out to homeless people as we saw the opportunity. So many times I have sat waiting at a light and felt the tug to do something for a panhandler on the side of the road or highway exit. Now we are prepared. We made up eight bags to have ready and filled them with items we hope will be a blessing to those that receive them.
This was a fun and easy project. We bought a few things at the dollar store and we used several items that we had stocked in our house. All in all, we only spent about $25. We included: a granola bar, box of raisins, peanuts, hand warmers, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, wet wipes, mints, cough drops, water, $1 gift certificate to McDonalds, a comb, and deodorant. We also included a note praying God’s blessing on the recipient.
The neat thing about this is that yesterday we had just been to the store to shop for supplies, then stopped at the post office. Outside there was a man asking for help. We hadn’t even been home yet to put our bags together, but we quickly gathered a few things from our purchases and gave them to the man. The kids were excited and it was a blessing that they so quickly got to see the importance of being prepared to meet the needs of others.
I hope this inspires some of you to do the same. Most of all I hope and pray that this not only blesses those we minister to, but that it ministers to my children’s hearts. I want to instill in them the desire to serve Jesus through those among us.
I love it. I too have been wanting to do more for those in my community. Another idea that I have been doing is keeping extra coats in my car (if you have two, give one to he who has none). When I see someone asking for help I give them a coat. I love your idea too, when I run out of the coats in my car I think some care packages will make a great addition to our car. Blessings to you!
Great idea! Our older son Ted and I talked about doing that last year but never did. Your post has reminded me of that project. Thanks! Another idea is to keep extra gloves and hats in the car as well. Then when you see someone who is cold and looks like they need a hand, you can give them some warmth.
I love the way we can encourage one another with these posts. Keep it coming!
Love in Christ,
Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and soon (less than two weeks away) to be in his family’s arms – our Eli
Great ideas Mandie and Janet. Thanks!