Blessing Bags

This past week, we were busy doing things. I really LOVE giving to people, and giving back in our community.

Our pastor, this past two weeks, has kind of given us a challenge. It really shouldn't be a challenge, it should just be a natural way of life. But, we were challenged to be a blessing to someone else. A six week challege, to be someone else's blessing.

I LOVE this idea. Any time we can help anyone, other than ourselves, is a blessing. Plus, its amazing to have that feeling-that one where your heart just can't stop smiling, because you know what you're doing is right and good.

This week, I made up some blessing bags. These are bags to have handy in your car to hand out to the homeless.

I went to the dollar store (LOVE that place!), and picked up a few items (ok, several) to stick in a gallon size plastic ziplock bag.

I've seen these on pinterest, and like most things on pinterest, I tend to pin it and forget about. 

But, this was easy to do. Easy to make. Easy to distribute.

I bought socks, razors, toothbrushes, soap, tissues, bandaids and lots of various snack food items. I put granola bars, nutrigrain bars, pop tarts, raisins, animal crackers, instant oatmeal and hot cocoa, and a juice box or two.

Items ready to go!

I think, because it is starting to get winter here, that gloves and socks, would be a nice addition to the bags. 

I put all the contents into separate bags and placed them in my car. You can always throw a buck or two inside the bags as well. Everything you put in there, depends on you and what you're willing to give.

All packaged up!

I placed five of the bags in my car. Since, I'm always in my car when I see people in need, that's where I need them.

I got my first chance to hand one out a couple days ago. It was so cool! There was a gentleman who was standing outside our grocery store area on a grassy hill. He was holding a sign, asking for anything. I pulled up and handed him my blessing bag. He was smiling from ear to ear and just kept saying, "Thank you! Thank you!"

It wasn't anything big, but it was something. Honestly, if I hadn't just had a load of groceries and the kids in my car, I probably would have just driven around and tried to hand them all out! I'll save that for another day.

But, honestly though, how cool is it, to bring that big of a smile to someone's face? To feel good, about not just turning away from them and pretending we don't see them, like I would usually do. (Yes, I've done that. I always feel bad and akward when I do it too. Because I know I SHOULD be doing something for them.) But, now I don't have to. Now, I'm ready to hand out blessing bags and be a helper for once.

Have you guys done this? Do you have opportunities like this? Do you have any tips for other great items to place in the bags??

I'd love to hear from you guys! 

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"Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the LORD, and the Lord will fully repay them." 

Proverbs 19:17

Check out my other posts on giving and donating!

More Than Generous, Mother's Milk, Flying With Thanks, Coffee Dates, Library Fine, and Encouragement in a Balloon.

*Some Affiliate links for ideas for snacks for your bags!