This week I have been putting together some more Bags of Hope to give out while I'm running around doing my holiday errands. Since it is the holidays, I have really been trying to (over)STUFF them with loads of goodies and a few extra dollars to let whomever receives one know that they are not forgotten. Especially since this time of year can be really difficult and depressing for some...even for those of us who are fortunate enough to have our families, our homes and jobs to support them.
Here the stuff is all spread out on my bed because my desk is covered in scrapbooking/album supplies right now and I'm afraid I'd find stuff all stuck together with glue and glitter if I tried to use my desk right now :} Each bag is filled with a baggie of toiletries (that I've collected from my travels over the summer) along with personal size packages of wet wipes, tissues and a first aid kit. What you can't see is that I've added a few disposable razors and combs as recommended by the Church guidelines that I've always followed when putting these bags together. Normally I throw in a bottle of water with a green tea or lemonaid packet to flavor it with...but since I didn't have any on hand...I grabbed some chilled bottles of organic protein as I headed out the door.
For snack foods, I toss in individually packaged bags of nuts, crackers and cookies. For something hot to eat (perhaps later on when they have access to boiled water from the local drive-ups) I put together a plastic bowl with a lid, some plastic silverware, and a package of instant oatmeal along with a package of hot-cocoa. This time of year we get a lot of rain, so I include a rain poncho and some cough drops. AND, finally I add some holiday candy and a personal card with $4.00-$5.00 for them to get a hot meal at one of the local fast-food restaurants or grocery store deli counters.
When I head out of my development...I take the longer route so that I can drive through the Wal Mart parking lot. Because 99-percent of the time...I see someone holding a sign near the parking lot entrance.
This man was trying to get some help so that he could get his truck repaired and hopefully get back to work...I didn't have time to get his name because I had a line of cars behind me...
Perhaps my stopping made the other drivers behind me more considerate because the driver behind me stopped and handed out something to this man...and actually exchanged a few words with him...THAT really made me feel better since I couldn't get his name and give him some validation as another human being. Or perhaps he was just being helpful and giving out directions...I like to think the best of all possibilities...cause I'm hopeful like that ;}
After Wal Mart I headed on down to Capital Blvd. and it wasn't long before I found the next person to give out a Bag of Hope to...
This man was standing at a very busy intersection and I had to roll down my passenger-side window and blow my horn in order for him to see me. The light was a long one...so he had plenty of time to cross safely...and to take the bag I handed out. Again though...I didn't have time to get his name! But while I was waiting for the light to change...I was able to watch him as he crossed back on over to the side of the road...and see his surprise as he took a peak inside the bag. He quickly turned around to see if I was still there and smiled and waved and mouthed out the words...Thank you!
Wow...it's such a wonderful feeling...I can't even describe it! These individuals give me back so much more than I can ever imagine. It's not like I don't know that it's coming...since I've been giving them away for over a year...but let me tell you...it never gets old!
If like me...your are looking to bring the joy back to your holidays...this is a wonderful way to do it ;}
Fondly, Roberta
You amaze me every year when you do this...I was so wanting to this, this year!! Darn hard times :(
Posted by: Denyse@Crazy Beautiful Life | 12/19/2011 at 03:05 PM