What is a Kindness Kit?
It is just a brown paper lunch bag filled with a bottle of water, snacks, and small toiletries. You keep it in your car. When you see a homeless person on a street corner, you can just easily hand it to them. It is safe and easy.
I admit I was nervous to approach someone I thought was homeless. What if they were offended or easily upset? So far, I have not gotten a bad response. The person has smiled and thanked me. I don't ask if they are homeless. I just ask if they could use a bottle of water on this hot day and some snacks. I just smile in a friendly way. These are people just like you and me.
This can be as cheap as you want it. Coupons often can purchase you these items for free. Most of my kit has unused items from hotels I have been in. The chapstick came from the hospital I work at. Things we had around the house that we haven't used. Next time, I will add bandaids. Even if it is just a bottle of water that you carry in your car to hand out, this can make a world of difference to someone in need.
What exactly is in it?
My kit that I made today has:
1-2 brown paper bags (I double bag)
1 bottle of water
1 granola bar
1 baggie of gum and hard candy
toothbrush
toothpaste
tissue
hand sanitizer
shampoo
lotion
soap
wipes
disposable razor
shaving cream
chapstick
1 gospel tract or a card with church or shelter contact info
(I printed mine off the internet)
(I printed mine off the internet)
Stuff it all in.
Staple shut and place in car within easy reach. All done! :)
I hope that this easy idea inspires you to come up with your own way of helping others. I know it has been a great experience for me. If anything, it has made me be on the lookout when I drive around to see if I can help someone. That has to be a good thing that in itself. :)
