The holiday season brings with it so many wonderful things and it is a time of year many of us reflect on and feel grateful for how fortunate we are. For many of us, this leads us to consider ways to give back to those who are less fortunate. The holiday season is the season of giving after all. There are many ways to give back to the community and extend kindness to those less fortunate. A small but thoughtful way to make a difference is by creating holiday care packages filled with essential items that offer comfort and support to unhoused individuals in your area. In this post, we’ll cover how to create effective care packages, what to include, and the best ways to distribute them safely and respectfully.
Why Create Care Packages?
Creating care packages is a simple, impactful way to give back to the community. The challenges of homelessness are complex, and I as an individual feel powerless to help in the face of such systemic injustice and inequity. But there are things, small as they may be, that we as individuals can do. Care packages can provide practical help, offer warmth, and show that someone cares. If you have ever been given a hug, a word of encouragement, or a hand to help you up when you were down on your luck or hurting, then you understand how impactful a kind gesture can be.
During the holiday season, as temperatures drop, these kits become even more valuable by supplying basic necessities that are difficult to access on the streets. While a single care package may not solve a person’s struggles, it can deliver a powerful message of support and compassion during tough times.
Essential Items for a Holiday Care Package
When assembling care packages, focus on useful, compact items that are easy to carry and provide immediate help. Here’s a list of highly recommended items:
- Cash – Including a few dollars can help with meals, transportation, or other essentials.
- Nutritious snacks – High-protein meal replacement bars, nuts, and dried fruits are filling, easy to carry, and require no preparation.
- Water or water-purifying straw – Bottled water is always useful, but a water-purifying straw offers a longer-term solution for accessing safe drinking water.
- Personal hygiene items – Soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products help stay clean and healthy.
- Warm clothing – Items like socks, gloves, scarves, coats, and sweaters are especially appreciated during the colder months.
- First Aid supplies – Bandaids, ointments, tissues, sunscreen, and other small medical or First Aid items provide protection and basic healthcare support.
- Rain protection – A waterproof poncho can help someone stay dry during rain or snow.
- Basic toiletries – Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and small combs are helpful for everyday care.
- Resource List– If you can, find and print a list of local shelters, food banks, free clinics, public libraries, free childcare or pet resources, etc. Unhoused people may not have access to the internet and may not be aware of all the resources available to them. I know there are not enough resources and getting to these locations is another challenge, but this might be a small step toward help.
Adding a Personal Touch
Adding a small, heartfelt message to your care package can make it even more meaningful. Consider writing an encouraging note that offers empathy and kindness without being condescending. Simple messages like “Wishing you warmth this season” or “You are in my thoughts” can provide comfort and respect. If you have children, let them add a drawing or a simple note as a way of getting them involved in giving back to the community with compassion.
How to Distribute Care Packages Safely
When distributing your care packages, it’s essential to prioritize safety, both for yourself and for those you’re trying to help. Here are a few guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful experience:
- Choose public, busy locations – Distribute care packages in well-trafficked areas, like near grocery stores or parks, where you can interact safely.
- Maintain a respectful distance – Approach individuals from a safe distance and respect personal space. A simple “ I have some basic supplies to give, would this be helpful to you?” is polite and considerate.
- Use good judgment – If a situation feels uncomfortable, it’s okay to wait for another opportunity. Your safety and respect for the recipient’s space should come first. I often give from the car because, in our area, people tend to ask from the center divider at traffic lights. Before I roll down the window, I assess the person’s body language and read their sign before offering. If the sigh says something like “Anything helps” I ask if if they would like a care package.
- Stick to daytime hours – For safety, distribute care packages during the day when public areas are busier.
- Consider donating to shelters – If you’d prefer not to approach individuals directly, reach out to local shelters or outreach organizations that can distribute the care packages on your behalf.
Care Packages and Mental Health Awareness
Life on the streets can take a heavy toll on mental health. Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from conditions like depression or anxiety, often without access to therapy, medication, or support systems. While care packages can’t address these deeper needs, they can provide comfort and acknowledgment. Just knowing that someone thought of them can make a difference. This small act of giving back to the community can help uplift someone, even if just for a moment.
Making Care Packages Affordable and Accessible
Creating care packages for giving back to the community doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:
- Buy items in bulk – Many of the items listed, such as meal bars, socks, and hygiene supplies, can be bought in larger quantities, making each individual care package more affordable.
- Reusable or weatherproof bags – Use inexpensive, water-resistant bags like large Ziploc bags or small drawstring bags to keep items dry and protected.
- Visit dollar stores – Dollar stores carry many of the essentials needed for care packages, from socks and gloves to personal hygiene products.
- Create kits with friends, family, and your school or workplace – Invite friends or family to join in. Ask your workplace to sponsor a supply or donation drive for care packages. Many organizations might match donations. Ask your school or your child’s school if they would participate. Other parents may be interested in contributing items or cash. And the kids could make cards and letters of hope and encouragement. The parents and kids could also help put the kit together. The school likely also has connections to local non-profits that would love to receive the kits.
More Ways to Give Back to the Community During the Holidays
If you’re inspired by the idea of creating care packages, consider other ways to extend your impact. Volunteering time at a local shelter, donating clothing, or helping to organize a food drive are all valuable ways of giving back. Community efforts can create a ripple effect, reaching more people in need and encouraging others to get involved in compassionate giving.
Being Respectful and Thoughtful When Giving Back
When handing out care packages, it’s important to remember that each individual’s situation is unique. Approach interactions with kindness and sensitivity, and offer the package without assumptions. A friendly greeting, such as, “Hello, would this help today?” shows respect and gives the person the choice to accept or decline. If they decline, accept the response with grace; sometimes, even the gesture itself is appreciated.
Final Thoughts
Creating care packages for giving back to the community is a way to contribute kindness, compassion, and practical help to those facing difficult circumstances. Each package, while small, offers both essential supplies and a reminder that someone cares. During the holiday season, a time of warmth and generosity, these simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
So, consider setting aside time to make a few care packages this holiday season. Whether you distribute them yourself or donate them to a shelter, your effort is a meaningful contribution to giving back to the community and can provide someone with much-needed comfort and support.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out this article with ideas for the whole family to lend a helping hand this holiday season and beyond.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) for qualifying purchases on items purchased through the links in this post.
