How to do it:

If you already have an activist group, ask if everyone will save those packs the dentist sends home, travel size soaps, etc. Collect them from family and neighbors too! Then plan a packing party: have each person buy something mini-sized in bulk. Get together to stuff bags (freezer bags work well), and then store a few in your car to hand out to folks struggling to stay healthy on the streets.

Ideas for your bags:

• socks, socks, more socks
• tampons/pads
• snack bars, hard candy for quick sugar
• travel-sized meds, bandaids, medical tape, guaze
• travel-sized soap, shampoo, tissues, dental hygiene, hand sanitizer
• wet wipes, diaper wipes, or hospital dry-bath in single/small packs
• cash if you can (or regift Starbucks cards.)
• In fall/winter add: lip balm, hand warmers, game-day rain slickers, or emergency blankets, gloves, hats, even more socks
• If your kids abandoned “so last year” backpacks still in good shape, add an emergency blanket, tarp or more substantial food and pass those out.

If you have a Business Costco (they cater to hotels and restaurants) they are a great source for large packs of single-use items like hotel sized toothpaste or single-serve advil. Costco is not a faultless company, but has doubled-down on DEI and is considered a fair employer. Another option for bulk buys is Right Gift, a non-profit friendly online bulk-buy source.

You can also ask your community to collect unopened toiletries from hotel stays, dental visit products, unwanted candy, or unopened medical supplies like extra ointments and bandages. (For large amount of leftover unopened medical supplies, contact homeless shelters to donate.)

When you hand a pack to someone, remember that people experiencing homelessness need dignity as much as they need food. The difference between most of us and homelessness is one serious medical bill and how strong our sofa network is.