Dear friends and family,
For the past 3 or 4 yrs, my wife and I have attempted to make a small difference in the day of someone less fortunate than us by gifting them a goody bag or what I like to call a "smile bag". It's just a gallon sized zip lock bag literally stuffed with items I thought would help make someone a little more - comfortable, for lack of a better term. We just wanted to let a person know that someone is thinking about their situation, someone hopes things get better soon, someone cares that they might be hungry and cold. Especially during the winter months and during the holiday season, it's important to remind people that someone cares, that they matter to somebody. Mental health can take its toll during the holidays for many, but more so for those that are struggling and out on the streets.
We know some folks say, "They just spend the money on drugs or alcohol." And although this may be true for some, it's not always the case and it's not the case for all. We've always thought that regardless of what they spend that small donation on, they are still in a worse situation than I/we are in and deserve a little Compassion and Empathy and maybe a warm smile. ☺ I can't tell you how it warms our hearts to see their smile when we hand one to them. "OMG, I love these bags!" They have always been nothing but so appreciative!
An example of the items we put in the bags:
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, gloves, socks, snacks, candy, flashlight w/batteries, soap, hand sanitizer, hand warmers, deck of playing card or a book, anything to help pass the time and possibly lift the spirit if only for a day. Also a $5.00 bill for a quick warm meal at McDonald's or some place similar. We've also made specific bags for women that include feminine hygiene products.
There are so many ways we can help - this has just been the way we have chosen to show a little love in our city. We've only been able to make a small batch each year and always feel so bad when we hand out the last one of the bags because we know that there will be another person around the corner. 😔
We hoping this year to get a little help from you - our friends and family, to help spread the love this winter! Please give what you can and know that your donation is going to help bring a little warmth and a smile to someone's face during what is probably the most difficult time in their life. 💕 🙏🏽
