Many privileged people will willingly give food and water to the homeless, but, unfortunately, these are not the only needs that homeless people have. I keep one or two “homeless care packages” in my car whenever I can. When I see a homeless person begging on the side of the road, I give it to the person as a way of helping out. It costs about $15 to make a homeless care package, but its value to a severely impoverished person greatly exceeds this small expense.
To make a homeless care package, include all of the following products– plus any other “goodies” you desire– in a bag. The next time you see someone begging, give it to them. You will have helped to make the world a better place for that individual.
Nutrition Shake
Let’s face it– a fast food meal at McDonald’s isn’t really the sort of nutrition a homeless person needs. Nor are the cans of broth or the Little Debbie knock-offs distributed at soup kitchens. Nutrition drinks such as Boost and Ensure are fortified to contain ideal levels of fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. At 250-350 calories each, they can replace a meal efficiently and inexpensively.
A small, cheap container of trail mix provides fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrates, and, calorie-by-calorie, it is a very inexpensive source of sustenence. A good homeless care package should contain a trail mix with raisins, peanuts and chocolate candy.
Razor
Most homeless men don’t want to look like burly, scary mountain men. Most of them, if given the opportunity, would gladly shave their faces. For homeless women, the opportunity to shave armpits and hair can be a very uplifting experience. Include a razor in your homeless care package.
Include a toothbrush and toothpaste in your homeless care package. Travel-sized tubes of toothpaste cost only a few cents, and you can get a large package of cheap toothbrushes for a very low amount. Imagine how nice it would be to brush your teeth with a new, clean toothbrush after weeks of poor hygiene. You’ll make someone’s day!
Bars of soap are extremely inexpensive, and a homeless person can use them to wash up in a local bathroom, or to create lather for shaving. Bar soap can also be used in lieu of shampoo during desperate times. Toss a bar of biodegradable soap into your homeless care package to help a homeless person clean up.
Many homeless people desperately need to wash their clothes, but don’t have the means to do so. I usually just include a few quarters with a note saying “for the laundromat” in my homeless care package, but many people feel uncomfortable giving cash to homeless people. If you want to go the extra mile, purchase a small gift certificate to a local laundromat and include it in your package.
Card or Letter
A small card or letter is probably the most important component of a homeless care package, because it gives homeless people spiritual and emotional support– which they need just as much as food and hygiene. I usually include a small card saying something like, “Trust that there are better days ahead of you. The world is a wonderful place.”
Because it is– and acts of compassion and altrusim help to keep it that way.
