Care Packages

So Its been on my mind for a while to start making some care packages for those down on their luck. We have alot of homeless people in Asheville. I claim to be a follower of Christ but I quickly check to make sure my doors are locked and move on by. I'm not saying I can take very homeless person home that I see. I'm also not saying you should let your guard completely down. Unfortunately that cannot be done with most anyone in today's world. It's going to be a slow start. We are a one income family but I'm praying God will provide and I know he will since he has put this heavy on my heart. I want to ask anyone though who may be able to donate anything to PLEASE contact me. The big thing will be backpacks. I think it would be the best thing to put this stuff in as it is easy to carry. If you know of something better though please let me know. Most everything can be bought at the dollar tree as far as food, water, hygiene items ect.  Clothes could be some spares laying around in your closet or even something bought at goodwill.  Some of the items I'm looking for would be as follows:

1. Food - Now, this is an obvious gift, the not so obvious part if what kind of food. Most homeless people don't have stainless steel fridge they carry along with them. Something that is in a plastic container or bag. This will keep it clean and germ free until eaten. Buy food that is ok being at room temperature for a while. This means, potato salad my not be the way to go, but a box of granola bars would be.
2. Water- Specifically bottled water is a great and affordable item you can give to a homeless person. We all need water. Sometimes you can find bottled water at the grocery store that has a strap built onto it, so you can sling it over your shoulder. This would be a very thoughtful gift for a homeless person.
3. Clothing - Specifically jackets. I recently saw a homeless man digging a jacket out of a public trash could about one block form Michigan Avenue. It was a little sad to see the differences between the tourists in town to buy the latest fashions on the Magnificent Mile and the homeless man who was digging out anything he could find just to fight off the chill in the Chicago air. Why not clean out your closet and give away those warm winter jackets that are just gathering dust in your closet? In the summer maybe just some spare t-shirts. Also some socks ect.
4. First Aid Kit - This is a simple and lightweight item that would help any homeless person. You can buy great first aid kits for rout $1 at dollar tree. This simple gift would be priceless to a homeless person. I would not go for a bulky fist aid kit because they will have to carry it around with them. Look for something small that would fit into a pocket or a bag.
5. Shaving Kit - I use shaving kit loosely. Basically any toiletries that might be handy. From handy wipes to simple tissues are all very useful.
6. Tooth brush and tooth paste - This is a simple and very affordable gift anyone can easily afford to give to a homeless person.
7. Sunglasses - This is a very simple and useful gift. Many homeless people are exposed to a variety of environmental elements. Something as simple as sunglasses can make life little easier.
8. Pre-paid food cards - At almost any fast food restaurant you can buy prepaid cards that would make a great gift for a homeless person. This would give them the opportunity to buy food, as they need it.
9. Stationary - Ok, I don't mean some stationary with fancy letterhead and their name on it. I mean what about a small bag filled with writing paper, a few pens, and even some pre stamped envelopes. You never know who a homeless person may wish they could get in contact with. Long lost family that they have been estranged from is probably a huge part of many home less people's lives.
10. Bible- I would most importantly like to include a Bible in there for them. King James Bibles can be purchased at the dollar tree for $1.

      If you see anything you have laying around and would like to donate Please message me on facebook or email me at lisanicolesw@gmail.com. I will come to you to pick it up if needed! If you don't have the resources to donate anything please do something even greater for me and pray. I can use that more then anything!