Remember that time your lovely selves helped me win the Target Scholarship?! Well those 150 250 full-size toothpastes and 300 chapsticks got put to great use! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you. Now that I am finally home sweet home, away from the stress of finals, I'm going to start my own little big holiday project:
Blessings Bags
for the Homeless
What does this consist of, you ask? A simple ziploc bag filled with necessities such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, a bar of soap, a warm pair of socks and mittens. Perhaps throw in a note of encouragement to let the recipient know there really is hope for them. Then seal 'em up and distribute them in your community or the closest inner-city area to those who need love the most.
No longer will you need to ask yourself: Do I hand him money? But then what will he spend it on? Do I drive through that McDonald's and buy him some lunch instead? Are they even homeless? It always seems to leave you feeling guilty whether you give in to their pleadings or not.
This was way more successful than I ever could have dreamed of! I received 100 more toothpastes from Target than they had promised me. Molina Healthcare donated 150 toothbrushes and mittens. Friends came together to buy 150 deodorants, shampoos, soaps, and razors to complete the bags.
My fabulous helpers....
We then delivered the bags to the Faith Mission homeless shelter. They were ecstatic about our generous contribution! It was such a success I plan to stock up on travel size toiletries and make this an annual tradition!
You haven't truly lived until you do something for someone that can never repay you. And are perfectly content with that. I'm convinced that I am the one that is blessed.
I challenge you to make just one and give it away to someone in need! My idea of the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. I've always been big on giving rather than receiving. It really is the little things that count :)
19 comments:
What a great a idea! That is definitely the reason for the season. Happy New Year!
Your newest follower,
Fanny
www.pinstripedpenguin.com
What a beautiful thing you did! I love it. So thoughtful.
This was such a great idea, it such an amazing thing that you did. xo, Maria
This is so precious! Good on you for doing something so selfless!!
Bethany @ thesepiapuppy.blogspot.com
This is such a good idea! There have been several times that I bought food for somebody I saw on the street, only to find that they're gone when I return. Having a few of these bags in your car would be great for those times!
I agree, there isn't anything more rewarding than doing something for someone who can't pay you back.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Way to go Shane! 100% selfless and completely generous!
Wow what a great thing you do! It really does make you feel so good to donate, even more than getting around the holiday season.
awww YAY LOVE to heart hese kindao f stories and love the picture of your family all pitching in. See there is good in the worlD!
This is SO awesome!! What a blessing I'm sure that was! I used to work with the homeless ministry back home and we did something similar to this, only it was on a weekly basis! I know that each bag was very appreciated by the recipient!
I just found your blog via Beginning with Becca! I'm following you now via email! :)
I'd like to invite you to a giveaway & a blog hop, the first I'm co-hosting the second I'm hosting!
Giveaway: http://blueeyedbeautyblogg.blogspot.com/2012/12/giveaway-hosted-by-let-them-eat-cake.html
Blog Hop: http://blueeyedbeautyblogg.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-new-years-goals-for-2013.html
Shane, this is phenomenal!! So proud of you! Your heart is so big and true. You were these people's angel. An angel is it's truest form. Hugs to you, lady!!
You have a big heart! I think this is great!
This is awesome! What a great turnout. I think I'll mention this to my daughter and see if she wants to give it a try in our community. =0) Thanks for the inspiration, Shane!
~Kim
amazing! i'm so glad you were able to collect the needed items. i did this with my small group once, and we had a great time packaging all of our bags. way to go, lady!
did you know you can get trial size products for free in the mail? follow a site like http://www.icravefreebies.com/. like them on FB or do the emails and they send you what is available. some are time sensitive, yet it's FREE! so worth the try.
we do this with a women's group I am a part of.
What a wonderful thing to do - love the action shots - you guys are too cute!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
Shane what an inspiration! I just came across your blog from Shelby @ Chasing Birdies and I'm glad I did. We can all learn something from you and your achievements, can't wait to read all about your goings on this year!
Cheers, Lou The Honesty Path
You are so amazing! Firstly, congratulations on winning! Secondly, congratulations for doing something so wonderful and thoughtful!
xoxo
Hi, great post. I found you through the blog hop. Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance. .Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that started. It's Weekly Goals Link Up. It's a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. :) Now following you.
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