Mosaic Monday: More Bags of Hope

Message of HOPE for Roger...

Yesterday, while DH was watching Nascar I decided to go out and take advantage of the beautiful weather that we were having and to run some errands.  ONE of those errands was giving out my LAST Bag of Hope that I had put together.  I found Roger standing at Wal-Mart parking lot and when I first pulled up and rolled down my window he didn't want to make eye-contact.  SO when I handed him the bag I asked him for his name and he looked rather stunned and SO I asked him again and he finally looked at me and answered.  I responded with my usual...Bless You Roger, my name is Roberta...and I actually got to look him in the eyes and he SMILED!

You can see that I was able to capture him {in my side mirror ;} peeking into his bag....happy dance!!!

So today I was off to my favorite store...Dollar Tree to assemble my next batch of bags...

...I'm like a kid in a candy store when I go in there!  Here's a list of my favorite finds:

• Individually wrapped tissues (six for a buck).
• Packages of Men's/Women's socks (this is a seasonal item that I like to buy when it's cold and when they are three for a buck they are so affordable for these bags).
• Individual First Aid Kits these are somewhat expensive but I feel that they are needed.
• Storage containers (three-five for a buck and I prefer the ones with screw-on lids when they have them) for eating hot cereal in or storing other snacks.
• Individually wrapped candies (always buy some sort of holiday mix).
• Bottled water (six for a buck) which I keep refrigerated in the summer and grab them as I'm on my way out, along with individual flavor packets like lemonade, etc. when they have them.
• Individually wrapped cough drops (especially during the cold months and times when the pollen count is high...like it's about to be real soon here in NC ;)
• Individually wrapped packages of Wet Wipes (two-three packages for a buck depending on what they have in stock) because they just might want to dive into this care package and not have to find a place to wash up first ;)
• Individually wrapped packages of Snacks (four-six packages for a buck).  My store carries Lance crackers and peanuts and I feel really good about including these items because they are fresh and not full of saturated fats, sugars and/or preservatives.
• Packages of hair combs (a dozen for a buck) which was an item the church in Nashville originally listed as an item that was needed/wanted.
• Individual servings of hot cereal (or hot cocoa depending on the season) and this is why I always try to find a storage container for them to eat out of.  I also have disposable silverware that I include so that they can eat and prepare the cereal/beverages with.
• Rain Ponchos (two for a buck) are another seasonal item that I try to pick up to help keep them dry when we have our huge rain showers.
• Individually wrapped Dental Floss Picks is something I prefer to include...in lieu of a toothbrush/toothpaste as was originally suggested by the church...because I'm just not sure if they have access to clean water, etc.

Today I spent $39.00 (plus tax) in Dollar Tree and this will make up TWELVE new Bags of Hope for me to distribute over the next couple of weeks or month...depending on how often I leave the Love Shack ;)

To this I will add the hotel soaps/shampoos that I have managed to collect, as well as some disposable silverware and razors that I've already got on hand.  BUT most importantly, I will add a personal note to each, along with a few dollars so that they can get a hot meal (even if it's from a fast food restaurant...I'll live with that ;)

Help me out here...can you think of anything else that I might include that will let them know that they are not forgotten?

Linking up this post with Mary for Mosaic Monday...be sure to hop on over and share the blog love.

Fondly, Roberta

Comments

[Mary Brown]

I make up small envelopes using scrapbooking paper and put a gift card in it for McDonalds. There's always a McDonalds nearby! On the front I put a label that says "A gift from the God who loves you!" Quick & easy to pass out the window!

[Cortney Lyon]

That is a good idea from Deb, you never know. It makes me want to do it here every time I read about it. I guess I'm a little apprehensive to approach people. There is one store here that always has people in need outside, Carl and I bought food items for a guy one night, but this could reach more people for less money. Thanks again for sharing, it's really inspiring.

[Deb]

I had one thought, how about mini pads of paper and a pen/pencil to help them write things down and keep track of things - dates, places, phone numbers, whatever.
Sounds like you are putting quite a bit in each bag!

[Genie Robinson]

What a wonderful gift you are giving to those less fortunate. I think you have the list pretty well covered. I wish I knew where to find folk like this here in our little college town. We never see any people begging...the only ones I see infrequently are those that have a sign at the ight at WalMart saying...Need Food Money. Thank you for your kindness. Genie

[Jeri]

I loved reading about your bags of hope - that is a wonderful thing you are doing!