Making Homeless Care Packages

Making care packages for the homeless by Bridget Mouton on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 12:30am
How to Make a Care Package for the Homeless
Creating a care package with any or all of the items below would help to ensure someone has adequate supplies while trying to find shelter. These are some basic items to think about when packaging up supplies for the homeless.

Food and Nutrition:
Bottled water
Juice or flavor packets
Snack items: individually wrapped cheese and crackers, tuna kit, chicken salad kit, fruit snacks, fruit cups, beef jerky, cookies, muffins, etc.
Shelf stable cups of meals – usually needs to be reheated though

Hygiene:
Soap
deodorant
Shampoo / conditioner
Toothpaste / toothbrush
Mouthwash
Dental floss
chapstick
bandaids
Hand sanitizer / antibacterial wipes
Washcloth / bath towel
Comb / brush
k/y jelly (can use for shaving, hair gel, etc.)
hand mirror
Hair gel
Deodorant
Lotion

Female
Tampons / feminine napkins
Hair barrettes / scrunchees

Child
Coloring book with crayons, puzzles, games, etc.
Play toy
plush animal
Older Child
Scrapbooking / cardmaking items
Books, games
brain teasers

Quick clean up
Squirt bottle - put @ 1/4 cup of all the following ingredients in a squirt bottle, add some water
Baby wash
Baby oil
Witch hazel
Shop towel - make great wipes, spray solution on the towels and they are like durable baby wipes
comb / brush - a must have after cleaning

Staying cool
sunscreen
cool ties bandanas
spray bottle
Carriers
backpack
tote bag
reusable shopping bag
Staying warm
blanket
pillow
fleece throw
sleeping bag
t shirt
socks
thermals
scarf / hat

Cleaning
Laundry soap – indiv. Packs
Tissues
Paper towels / Shop towels
Squirt bottle

Tools
Disposable razor / shaving cream
fingernail clippers
multipurpose pocket tool
firestarter
scissors
can opener
flashlight with a crank
radio
Stationery
Notepad
Couple of stamped envelopes
Calling card
Pen
Bible / bible verses
List of helpful resources

Cooking
wok
butane stove
plate, cup, bowl
fork, knife, spoon

cooking utensils
portable engine charger
thermos
cooler