Tag: #carepackage

How to Make an Outreach Kit in 2021

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Let’s be honest, this past year is not what anyone expected. Many industries have been disrupted by COVID-19 as we all continue to adapt. One group that is near and dear to us, is nonprofits. Many nonprofits have had to either cancel their annual events or make drastic cutbacks to what they are able to provide. The good news is that we can all continue to support our communities as individuals or as part of an organization.

Building the Ideal Kit

One of the staples of community outreach is providing kits of essential items for those in need. During a normal year, kits could include school supplies for underprivileged students or personal hygiene products for the homeless. While those items are still incredibly valuable, a few key additions may be necessary.

Homeless Care Kits

When putting together a care kit for the homeless some common items to include are hygiene products, socks, snacks and a reusable water bottle. We have the privilege of working with many nonprofits and these are some of the most common items we help find for them for their projects.

With COVID-19, it’s now important to consider what additional items are necessary to help protect the homeless population. Some great items to include are a pack of masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Not having the luxury of 24/7 shelter means we need to do all we can to protect them from the virus.

School Supply Kits

Another common project for nonprofits is backpack drives for underprivileged students. We’ve worked with both schools and nonprofits for years so we always have a selection of school supplies that work for classroom shopping and outreach projects. As we know, schools are in a difficult position trying to determine the best way to navigate the 2020-2021 school year. In turn, that means many nonprofits have needed to adjust their projects based on if their local schools are fully reopening or not. Regardless, we as individuals can also chip in to provide needed supplies for students at home and in the classroom.

Along with classic school supplies, masks and PPE are essential for students returning to the classroom. Because of that, we’ve made sure to have kid-size masks available. For students at home, the needs change a bit. While they will need all the usual writing utensils and notebooks, it’s a good idea to include some puzzle books or educational toys as fun activities for the kids. Lastly, many students rely on school for some of their meals, so providing some snacks or ready-to-eat meals is extremely valuable.

Once your kit is ready to go, all that’s left is to put it in a nice backpack whether it’ll be for this school year or the next.

It’s important to remember, as these changes continue, that we are all in this together. There will always be opportunities for us to continue to help one another. Putting together a care kit for someone in need is a great way to start.

10 Homeless Care Package Ideas for Summer

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What to Give the Homeless in the Summer: 10 Homeless Outreach Ideas

Any season is a good season to donate time and resources for the local homeless community. Many people and organizations focus their homeless outreach efforts during the fall and winter, as the colder weather makes needs more apparent. However, providing support is just as important in the summer — especially since this is the time of year when the homeless are most likely to be overlooked.
If you’re making a summer care kit for the homeless in your area, DollarDays has some tips on what to include. The items below are some of the most needed and requested by homeless shelters and programs. Many of them are also excellent donations to soup kitchens, women’s shelters and church groups. Whether you’re donating to the local shelter, putting together a Good Samaritan blessing bag at Sunday school or organizing a private donation drive, these suggestions will make your homeless care package even more appreciated.

Bottled Water & Beverages

The need for clean water is ever-present in the homeless community. When the hot summer sun is beating down, that need is even more important. Including bottled water will help quench their thirst on the most grueling days. Other beverage and drink mixes such as instant milk, Gatorade packets and lemonade mixes can provide added nutrition or just add some flavor for the kids.

Reusable Water Bottles

Displaced people are constantly on the move, and they need to be able to bring their water. A reusable drink bottle allows them to bring beverages to more places and is also more durable than a store-bought plastic water bottle. Furthermore, whenever they have access to a water source such as a spigot or hose, a large water bottle allows them to fill up and have some water for later.

Non-Perishable Snacks

Owning easy-to-eat healthy food snacks is essential for those who don’t know when their next full meal might be. Some great options that have needed nutrients don’t require refrigeration include cereal, meat snacks (beef jerky, beef sticks, etc.), granola bars and nuts. Kids will love crackers, fruit snacks and other goodies. These snacks usually come in single-serving packets, which reduce the chances of them going back and make them easier for homeless shelters to pass out.

Paper Plates & Utensils

Everyone needs a clean surface to eat their food. The homeless usually don’t have a place to wash traditional glass or ceramic dishes — and these things have a higher risk of getting broken. Therefore, single-use tableware is much-needed. Paper plates, paper cups, plastic silverware, napkins and other disposable dinnerware makes it easier to serve meals.

Skin Care Products

The summer weather doesn’t just make people thirsty. It also can be brutal on the skin. Sunscreen will help prevent burns for those who don’t have access to shade. Meanwhile, some bug spray is great to prevent getting gobbled up by flies and mosquitoes. Those who already have burns and bites will appreciate aloe vera relief gels, calamine lotion and other treatments.

Personal Hygiene Products

If a down-and-out person is able to land a job interview, or if they’re a young kid attending school, looking presentable is a big deal. Products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, bar soap, shaving supplies and deodorants help them take care of their personal appearance. You might even consider a complete men’s or women’s hygiene and dental kit with all the personal care basics. Travel-size hygiene products are excellent for those who may only have a small bag for carrying everything.

Footwear

The biggest thing some homeless people need is a good pair of shoes. Owning decent footwear will protect their feet from hot pavement, rain and debris such as rocks or broken glass. Something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or slip-on shoes can be a game-changer for someone who spends most of their time outside.

Hats & Headwear

A good hat serves two purposes in a Good Samaritan supply bag. For starters, it helps keep the hot sun out of their eyes and face. Hats also help keep hair organized for those who rarely, if ever, can afford to get it cut or styled. Practical options include baseball caps, sun hats, bucket hats, plastic visors and bandanas.

Umbrellas & Rain Gear

The humid weather of summer often leads to heavy rainstorms. Affordable rain gear for the homeless will help keep them dry and prevent their possessions from getting ruined. Umbrellas, rain ponchos and rubber rain boots are a godsend for many people. An umbrella can also protect them from the sun when it comes back out.

Toys & Activities

People of all ages can use a fun way to pass the time. Small kid’s toys such as stuffed animals, coloring books, cars, jump ropes, balls and modeling clays provide hours of fun. Educational toys continue children’s development so they don’t fall behind at school. Adults like activities, too, and they’ll enjoy a good deck of playing cards, puzzle book, dice set or chess board.
DollarDays is proud to partner with nonprofits, schools and other organizations that strive to make a difference through summer homeless outreach. Give our team a call to learn how we can help make your homeless care package ideas a reality.

Call our Team Today! (888) 969-6301.