Bags for the Homeless

17 bags and counting.

17 bags for 17 souls and counting.

"Maybe, no one cares, or maybe, others are struggling in 2020 and, understandably, need to just focus on getting through, themselves." Hours had past after I posted my GoFundMe to several social media sites, without so much as a "like." Disheartened, I viewed my profile, as if I thought that whatever was wrong with my cause would scream out at me - and there it was.

My post never, well, posted.

With a new sense of hope, I re-shared my GoFundMe goal with those in my social media world (but for real, this time). Turns out, they did care.

They cared about other human beings: homeless, human beings.

It's getting cold outside, and with COVID-related mandates, those in need of food may have more and more trouble attaining it; without a mask, how can they get into stores or fast food restaurants? How can they clean up and apply for jobs, if they are unable to get ahold of basic essentials? How can they have a fresh start, without a headstart?

When I buy a homeless person a meal, I am thankful for the opportunity to give someone comfort; yet, I am left wishing I could do something that lasts a bit longer.

Even worse, I sometimes don't take the opportunity to help. Maybe it's a solid excuse, like needing to get to work on time. Maybe it's a faulty excuse, like wanting to get home "on time."

Either way, I found a meaningful solution: to pre-assemble bags of essential items and comfort items for homeless people. Maybe, it could be the headstart they need, or simply the love they need.

Fast forward.

Due to the acts of kindness of others who share an interest in this mission, I am able to put together seventeen bags of essential items for homeless people for the holidays. These kind souls poured in support for my cause and made it their cause. Only a couple of weeks have past, and I have received donations online and in person, along with "shares" and supportive messages. Even individuals, whom I have never met, have donated for the cause.

Because of their donations and love for others, at least seventeen people in need will receive a bag with the following:

-2 Pre-pasted toothbrushes

-2 Masks

-2 Combs

-2 Razors

-1 Pair of socks

-1 Water bottle

-1 Granola bar

- 1 Bar of soap

- 1 Stick of deodorant

-1 Bag of dog food (if needed)

- & More!

So far, four of the bags will have gift cards to fast food restaurants, and this number will grow as our mission reaches even more giving human beings!

I hope that our cause grows and reaches further parts of the state, the country, and the world. I hope that others will stay involved, and I can continue to assemble and distribute. I hope that others are inspired to create their own campaigns.

But even if my hopes are just that -hopes- and even if we plateau at 17 bags, those 17 bags are acts of kindness that WILL make a difference. Bags that will fill up the bellies of a man and his dog. Bags that will let a woman have warm socks that will help the blisters on her feet heal. Bags that will help a kicked-out teen shave and apply for a job. Bags that will make a young woman doubt her fear that no one loves her. Bags that will make a difference, 17 times over.

2020 is a year that I will never forget; a year when people put their own needs aside to put together bags for the homeless - $7 to make someone feel human again.

17 bags and counting.

17 bags for 17 souls and counting.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/2847m82l9c?sharetype=teams&member=7433016&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=6098987f7b6844838f90597b34cd24ee