After posting about Shaun Grove's recent post about the flood's in Nashville, I felt inspired to put together a few of my own "hygiene kits" to pass out to the homeless that I see here in my own home town. Only, I prefer to call them "comfort kits" because I have included a few things to make them a little more comfortable...if at all possible for their current state of living.
The WellSpring Christian Church in Spring Hill, TN collects the following items for their kits:
toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, men’s and women’s deodorant, disposable razors, washcloths, hand sanitizer and gallon ziploc bags to put everything in.
Well I purchased a few more items after going to the dollar store, to add to the toiletries that I already had on hand. Things like a first aid kit for proper care of cuts and scrapes. Baby wipes in lieu of a wash cloth because I didn't know if everyone had access to water to wet and rinse out a wash cloth on a daily basis, let alone keep it dry and mildew free. Individually wrapped floss picks in lieu of toothbrushes and paste...again I was concerned about the water and mold issues. An individual package of tissues and a bottle of water. I gathered the shampoo, conditioner, soap and razor inside a resealable plastic bag to keep the toiletries from leaking as well as to store the opened soap bars in after-wards. Then finally I included a note card with a few dollars with the following hand-written sentiment:
Please accept this bag as our way of letting you know that you are not forgotten!
With the few dollars that we have tucked inside you can get yourself a hot sandwich and a side item. There should also be enough to pay the sales tax and to add a cup of ice to drink with the bottled water that is in this bag of goodies.
We hope that this lifts your spirits and warms your heart.
Fondly, Roberta & Kevin
I really started to agonize last night as I wrote out my notes and tucked the few dollar bills inside as to whether or not I used the right words. I didn't want to talk down or to offend anyone and I wanted to say God Bless You...but sometimes people are really mad at God when they are in these down right terrible situations and that is not what I wanted to bring out...any negative, angry feelings. I just wanted to bring comfort and then I realized...WABI SABI...better done than perfect!
Now I have six bags all ready for me to grab as I go out the door...that really brings me comfort and I hope that it will those who receive them...WABI SABI...perfectly imperfect :D
Well done!
Posted by: Debra Bunker | 05/08/2010 at 11:13 AM