Want to be ready to help someone in need this winter? I was talking with a friend about the virus and cold weather coming and the homeless people in our neighborhood. We both live in the downtown area, and we come across people every day who need help. It is painful to witness and also hard to know what to do.
A friend told me about attending a party where the hostess had put together bags to keep in the car to hand out to anyone who was holding a sign at the highway exit or looked like they were cold or just needed help. I loved that idea! So, when I was at the hardware store this morning, I picked up some hand warmers. I plan to grab everything else this week and get my bags together. Now, I know that someone might throw it back at me, but I’m tough. I can handle that. It will still feel better than just driving by. You can do it, too. Here’s what goes into my Blessings Bags:
One Gallon Ziploc Bag
Fill each bag with one of the following:
Handwarmers
Granola Bar
Bottled Water
Gloves
Hat
Just have one or two handy in your car. I keep one in my bag when I’m walking since I walk more than I drive. And, add what you think is important: socks, chapstick, etc. This is your gift to someone in need. Some people have told me that they put notes in the bags. I like the idea of socks. Think about what you would want if you were in need.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, feels as good as helping others. It just doesn’t. And it doesn’t have to be big. One of these bags might be all the help someone gets on any given day. I post this Blessing Bags reminder every year, and every year I hear from many of you about how you have customized your bags. It warms my heart to know that some of you have your bags in the backs of your cars.
