A Day Of Packing Bags

Last year I started assembling bags of what I think could be helpful to those that are on the street. I asked my clients friends and family to donate travel sized and small sizes of everyday things. An overwhelming number of items came in and it hasn't slowed down much in the year since.

In order to keep organized and to make sure each bag gets roughly the same thing, I put everything into categories.

 toothpaste and toothbrushes
food items arranged by type

Water bottles
feminine hygiene products
face and body wipes

Lotions
Sunscreen
combs and brushes
socks
chapstick
deodorant
plastic utensils

dry shampoo
dog food and treats

large plastic bags to place everything in

Once I lay everything out I use small plastic bags to assemble some of the smaller items. I put all the plastic utensils together in one bag, chapstick goes with combs and brushes. I go down the line placing one of everything into the back except for the food. When it comes to the food I put several different things depending on what we have, into the bag. I like to make sure there are a few different selections in case a person is allergic to something or just doesn't happen to like a certain item. I want there to be enough that they can have a least one thing to eat.

Once I think the bags contain the right amount of everything I tie a ribbon around the handles of the ones that have feminine hygiene products so I can make sure I know which ones have them.

After the initial creation of the bags, people picked them up and kept them in their cars to hand out when they could. I always keep at least 2 in my car because I see people all the time.

Every month or so I take inventory and see what I'm running low on, what I need to purchase. I also go through bags every couple of months to make sure there are no expired food items.  

Creating these bags has been a great pleasure and I hope to continue for as long as I can.