Ways to help: One of our favorites is what we call our ‘care packages’. Instead of giving out money we buy and pack up basics that can help someone get through the day. The package includes: Vienna sausages, crackers w/ peanut butter, raisins, bottle of water, a couple of band-aids, a pair of socks, travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, and small pack of Kleenex. We put them in a gallon-size zip lock bag and place them in the car ready to hand out when we see someone in need. We also have a mini-version which consists of the crackers, Vienna sausages, raisins, band-aids and Kleenex. These are placed in a quart-size zip lock bag. This has been an interesting experience for us. Popular belief is that people “just want the money”, however, when we’ve come across someone who looks like a drug addict or an alcoholic and we hand them a package, with the same suspicious thought “they look like they’re out for money”, something truly wonderful happens. Across their ragged, worn faces you see the sun rising – a wide smile makes its way across their face with the brightness of their eyes showing a spirit of gratefulness. Again, people just wanting to be acknowledged and knowing others care.
There are so many other ways to help those on the streets. Volunteering at a mission who feed the poor is incredibly helpful, but beyond that it’s a blessing to those in need. They see people who are taking the time to be with them….this says a lot. Plus volunteering in other capacities, of course, helps organizations with any work overload. Donate money to organizations….nothing’s free and it takes money to keep them running. Clean house and donate items you no longer need to thrift shops that help the community. If a homeless person talks to you acknowledge them with a simple hello or smile (again making sure you’re in a safe situation)….no one likes to be ignored. And most importantly, pray for those less fortunate. If I see someone who makes my heart ache I immediately say a little prayer for them (between me and God). Prayer is powerful. Hey, don’t knock it till you try it.
