Why not make up a Comfort Care Bag in a random act of kindness

There are a multitude of charity drives around Christmas time that aim to help the homeless, however, in addition to donating money to these shelters and charities, one thing that you can involve the whole family with is making homeless care bags and packages. They are just one simple way which allows you to help the cause, although we should point out that they shouldn’t just be donated and given out at Christmas time; the winter months of January, February and March can bring some terrible, freezing cold weather, with temperatures very often well below freezing.

Follow our suggestions below for making your own care packages, that you can either distribute yourself to any homeless people you see while out on your dog walks, or around town. Remember to first approach them and ask if they would accept your donated package, don’t always assume that everyone will. The alternative is to create several bags or boxes containing these very useful items, and take them along to one of the homeless shelters or community-led volunteer centres. Perhaps give them a call first to find out what exactly they have a need for and are able to accept from donations.

Making your comfort care bag

• Decide first of all if your donated pack will be for a man, woman or young person, living on the street. Perhaps there is someone you have noticed nearby where you live who would benefit.
• Find a backpack or a handbag (these can usually be bought quite cheaply in stores such as Sports Direct, or use a clean used one you may have at home.
• Include some warm bedding, a fleece blanket, and possibly some large, strong plastic waste bags.
• Add thermals, warm clothing, hat, socks, gloves and a scarf. Temperatures will soon begin to drop and any warm clothing will be appreciated.
• Toiletries, including travel size shower gel and shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary items and maybe a lipstick for the ladies, sure to boost their morale.
• Additional items to include are supermarket vouchers, hand warmers, wet wipes and snacks such as cereal and protein bars.

If you prefer to make up a smaller donation of items to help a homeless person, consider making a comfort mug. A plastic mug with a sealable lid can usually be found in stores like the Pound shop and on Amazon. Fill these with smaller, useful items, toiletries, vouchers, many of which can be purchased for next to no cost, but they will make someone’s day a lot more comfortable.

Pets that are homeless and living on the streets

Many homeless people own a dog, for comfort and companionship. They may have previously lived together in a house for several years, and due to whatever circumstances find themselves without a roof over their heads. It would be a nice gesture if you put together a dog comfort pack. You could include a small blanket, a padded dog coat, worming and flea treatments, a collar and lead and don’t forget the doggy treats and toy or even offer to take the dog walking

These donated packages are known by many names, care packages, comfort bags, blessing bags, sock of love (fill a sock with goodies) car package (make and keep in your car until you spot someone in need), all are a random act of kindness. Give a parcel to someone homeless on the street. Speak to the person initially, ask them their name, chat to them about their situation and offer some important contact.  A very simple guesture like this when out dog walking arund the Finchley area (or any area) can make someones day