Below is a great way to help the homeless for under $20. Let it be known that I purchase these things at different times, not all at once.
None of these pictures are mine (because I am too lazy to unpack one of the backpacks)
Start with a backpack. I can get a backpack for under 2 dollars at my local thrift store on the right days when certain color is on sale. Get a backpack that is not too nice (or it might get stolen) don't go crazy and get a beat up my little pony one, just a simple backpack will do.
Next come the item you put in it. For most homeless hygiene is very important, most of the time they only get to shower once or twice a week. So here are some things I include and you can get most of this at a THRIFT STORE or DOLLAR STORE!
1. 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, you can buy this at dollar tree. It is a great multi use item
2. Toilet paper, something EVERYONE needs. They have a four pack at dollar tree that I split into 2 rolls per backpack. Be sure to cover the paper with a plastic bag, any will do, I use a grocery store bag.
3. Bottled water, sometimes it is hard to find good water and the reusable bottle is always a plus!
4. Hand sanitizer and a first aid kit. I know most of you are thinking that those items are expensive but they can both be found at the dollar store. I got a spider-man hand sanitizer that can attach to a strap and a simple first aid kit. The kit is usually in a small white box
5. Bar soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. You can usually find these at any thrift store on a peg wall, they are usually in a plastic bag and contain a variety of things from sample/travel size toothpaste to full size brand new toothbrushes. Today, for example, I found a bag for 99 cents that contained 2 toothbrushes and 2 travel size toothpastes. Sometimes you have to look for the right bags, some days I don't find what I need. Bar soap you can get at the dollar store they usually come in a 2 or 3 pack. Also, don;t be afraid to ask friends for their travel size items from previous hotel visits (we all know that person who hoards the *cough* my mother *cough*)
6. Food, things that have pull off tabs are great! I usually get some fruit and a few ready to make tuna or chicken packs. Also don't forget things that have a little protein like energy bars with some peanut butter in them. Try to look for things with a long shelf life that can be saved for harsher times. And for those of you who buy plastic utensils, throw a few in to the food items.
7. Warmth, I can find a blanket and warm beanie at a thrift store for 99 cents each. I have also found some Mylar blankets at yard sells that I threw in during the winter.
8. Optional: A reusable bottle. I can always find them at the dollar store but check your local thrift store, sometimes they have cheaper ones that are larger and better quality. Always remember to squeeze the bottle and make sure there is no air coming out, no one likes water everywhere.
Remember that these people are grateful for anything they receive. I make one or two of these a month and the contents always vary. I live in a place that gets very rainy a few months out of the year so I try my hardest to get umbrellas from the thrift store and also during summer I purchase sunscreen. Make your backpack any way you want and if you have some ideas that I did not state please message me, I would love to hear from you!
Good luck on your backpacks and if you have any questions feel free to message me :)
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