We’ve recently seen more people about with signs reading “Homeless and Hungry” or some such variation. I’m not inclined to give cash to people unless specifically prompted by the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, it bothers me to drive by and do nothing. After we had gone by four or five different people in two days, I was determined to do something.
I saw this idea on someone else’s website, but apparently did not bookmark it so I can’t give proper credit. (If it was you or you know where I saw it, please let me know.) We put together bags of food that we can take with us whenever we go out and can quickly hand to someone as we pass. We purposely purchased prepackaged food (with the exception of the apple) so no one would feel funny about eating the food and wonder about the safety of it.
Granted it is not super packed with nutritious food, but it is about 1000 calories which is half a day’s worth for the average person. If we continue to do this after we use up what we already purchased, we might consider other more healthy items we can easily add that don’t spoil quickly and aren’t too expensive. It is a plan in process.
We gave one to a man this morning when we were out running errands and you could see the gratitude in his eyes. I’m sure that not everyone who is out there is truly homeless and hungry, but I don’t care. All I care is that I try to show the love of Christ in a tangible way. God in interested in my heart and willingness to care for others. The true need or not of the people on the receiving end is between them and God.
I *think* I saw this at Like Merchant Ships, but I could be wrong.
these bags can also include personal hygeine Items (hotel soaps for instance) and coupon/gift certificates to fast food joints. bottled water is also a good idea, especially if your summer ever turns “normal”
MrsN
What a great idea Sallie.
I’ve been bringing one bag of groceries each week to church when I go to Mass for collection for a local food bank. When I’m grocery shopping, I’ll pick up items that are on sale and put them in. I try to make sure I put protein sources (beans, peanut butter, tuna) because I know that is something that goes lacking when people are having a hard time.
I think your bag looks great.
What a great idea!
Except I’d probably eat the chocolate before I gave it away.
A great solution for a problem that I’ve quandered many times.
That is a great idea! We don’t have quite the same obvious situation here as I saw in the States so it’s not one I can currently use but it’s definitely one I will mentally file!
How do you think the concept would work of adding a little (pre-printed) card into it that somehow indicates that what you are doing is also an attempt to show God’s love to that person? I’m not saying this to tell you that I think you should be doing it but what you are doing reminded me of a book I read years ago called “Servant Warfare” by Steve Sjogren. It was about “giving the cup of cold water” in Jesus’ name.
They would do “random acts of kindness” essentially and when questioned would say simply something like, “We’re Christians and just want to show God’s love to you in a practical way.” They did everything from feeding parking meters to cleaning toilets in public establishments!! However, they also thought it was important to credit God’s love rather than just random acts of kindness. Very interesting reading and results!
Excellent idea. I will definitely be putting some of these together.
I am so happy to see someone else doing this. One day my oldest daughter and I saw someone at an intersection with a sign asking for food. We went to the closest “dollar” store and bought enough “supplies” for around 10 packs. Into each pack we put some basic hygiene supplies (soap, toothbrush/paste, razor, comb) and also some non-perishable food items, plus a spoon. We made sure all the canned food items were pop-top, and also put a bottled water in each pack. I kept those in our van and when we saw an opportunity, we handed out a pack. I never liked the idea of giving someone money, and felt much better handing out these packs. My daughter also thought we should buy small bibles. We haven’t made these packs for awhile, but may do so again after seeing your blog !!
This certainly is a fantastic idea! Our little town in NE PA has few, if any homeless that we can “see” though I am sure there are some. This would have been a great idea if I were still in NYC where I saw the homeless on a daily basis :0). We are planning on going back to volunteering at the local fodd bank this fall. Thanks for the reminder that feeling bad is not enough—we need to be willing to do something. LOVE the tuna meal example. Easily affordable for most people! God Bless…
What a great idea. My parents keep a cooler of bottled water in their car to give on these over 100 days that we enjoy in our Oklahoma summers. And you are so right, our command is to help and shine, not try to judge their intentions. Carry on!
Oh Sallie, I LOVE this!
Thanks for sharing.
This past week we drove by a man who was holding a sign saying he has MS (he was emaciated and was using a cane). I quickly grabbed all the cash I had (which wasn’t much) and handed it to him. I thought if he didn’t use it for food, he might use it for prescription medication. Tonight I got more cash and will keep it in my wallet for this purpose, so next time I can give more generously.
For those situations when I don’t feel led to give cash, I will think about your packaged food idea and keep some in the car. I like the idea of bottled water, too!
“I’m sure that not everyone who is out there is truly homeless and hungry, but I don’t care. All I care is that I try to show the love of Christ in a tangible way. God in interested in my heart and willingness to care for others. The true need or not of the people on the receiving end is between them and God.”
Amen, Sallie. So what if we get taken advantage of a little bit? How are we harmed by that? We’re to love others in the name of Jesus. I love that you’re doing this. : )
I haven’t read the other comments yet, so forgive me if this was already mentioned or if you’re already doing it: Have you considered adding to the packet a Gospel tract? Ray Comfort’s & Kirk Cameron’s ministry, The Way of the Master, has lots of really good ones.
God bless you for loving others. : )
~ Ruthanne in Alabama
Thanks for all the good feedback and suggestions as to how to do it even more effectively! They are much appreciated!
Great idea! I wonder if we could make these in our Girl Scout troop. Hmmm….