Hi friends! I’m popping in quick to say hello and share a little something with you. I don’t know how you’re feeling but in my perspective 2017 seemed to be especially heavy- natural disasters, mass shootings, hate crimes, and political divide like none I’ve ever experienced. It seemed there wasn’t a day that went by without news of strife and suffering. I waffle between feeling riled up, ready to take on the world and fight to wanting to crawl into a hole and never come out, paralyzed with fear at the state of things. I know that sounds so dramatic, and it is, but it’s honestly how I feel sometimes! It’s overwhelming. All of this has me thinking about ways that I can help, big and small.
One of the small things we’re doing is creating gift packs to keep in our car to give out when we see people in need. I think it’s a common practice but I’d never thought of it until I saw a friend sharing theirs on Instagram stories. I was off to Target to stock up for our own the next day. We filled up large ziplocks with these necessities and treats- Clif Bars, tissues, toothbrush/toothpaste, wet wipes, gum, lotion, a first aid kit, water, Cheddar Bunnies, Chapstick, and Starburst. We added in little handwritten notes with well wishes and topped them off with enough cash for a couple of meals. I want to do more for the people in need in our community, but this is a start. Do you have any ideas, small (or large!) ways to give back that we can all manage? I’d love to hear what you’re doing! XX- Sarah
I love making these! I always try to include some socks, and have some with tampons and pads in them in case the recipient is female.
Oh Meredith that’s so smart!!! I will be adding feminine products and socks to my next packages! Thank you for being so kind and doing this for your community! I always feel like if we all just do a little bit, it will make a HUGE difference. <3
ah, I saw Amanda Jane Jones post something similar a week or two ago and was inspired to do the same! So helpful to see what you included! Thanks for sharing!
Oh I’m so happy it’s going around!!! I’ll be adding socks and feminine hygiene products to our next packs thanks to reader suggestions! 🙂
Oh Sarah,
Dramatic, I hardly think so as you are expressing the sentiments of myself and my entire tribe. Everyday I try to have gratitude and grace for all that I have, after pulling myself out of my deep, dark little cave of despair. Being on the giving end does help, along with the hundreds of petitions, phone calls, meet-ups, hours of meditation, and general hand-wringing. Some days are overwhelming. Some days I can see the light.
This is a wonderful thing to do. It’s something I’ve done with my kids for many years. I always love seeing someone else’s contributions for great ideas.
I usually include a pair of white socks and tampons or pads (the guys can do with them what they want). The other thing that I’ve included are the travel size bottles of products from hotels. My friends know to bring them home to me and we make excellent and well-received use of them. Occasionally, if my budget allows, I’ll include a gift certificate to McDonalds or Jack In The Box (not the healthiest choice, I know, but usually easily accessible).
So delighted to see you back. I always enjoy hearing about your latest life adventures.
Oh Deborah, you ARE the light!!!! Thank you for all that you’re doing! I keep reminding myself, all of the best things in my life have come from struggling through dark times. Hopefully it will be the same for our world.
Love the idea of using hotel products too, that’s genius!
Thanks so much for the kind words and support, it feels really really good to be back. 🙂
I love, love, love this idea! I have done something similar in the past. I have also given out some umbrellas since I live in rainy Portland. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a good idea. Thanks for sharing. Here in Sacramento, there’s a group that serves breakfast for the homeless. It’s not affiliated with a particular church or the Soup Kitchen. A group of middle-aged folks started it, and they recruited friends and neighbors to help out, and now other groups pitch in, too, like high school students and a local Muslim group.
I love this so much! So caring and giving xx
I have been planning on doing packs like this for a while now and these are absoluetly amazing!! We are part way through our “pay it forward” blog, it has been one of the most amazing experiences to date.
Your whole blog is outstanding and I can’t wait to follow along 🙂
nn
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