I don't do this enough, but I want to turn a new leaf in this department. Especially now that I have kids who can learn how to be giving, caring citizens from such an early age.
We found this activity on Pinterest. They called them Blessings Bags, but for some reason I called them Gratitude Bags and the name instantly stuck. I don't want it to seem like I think the recipients of these bags need to be grateful to me, but the opposite. In being able to give to others I feel grateful for all that I have.
We went to Target the other day and loaded our cart with things that we thought people would need if they didn't have a home. Snacks, toiletries, socks.
This is what we bought for our Gratitude Bags:
Soap
Emergen-c
Deodorant
Kleenex
Bandaids
Gum
Mouthwash
Socks
Crackers
Applesauce (and spoon!)
Comb
And we also added a dollar bill
We dumped it all on the table and started a (sort of) assembly line. Toddlers make any sort of assembly line a little like Lucy and Ethel, but it was a fun activity. We even listened to Christmas carols while we worked.
I added a card with a note of encouragement in each bag too. This summer I went yard-saling a ton and one of the treasures I found was a huge box of greeting cards. I got to finally use some of them which was inordinately thrilling to me. (I'm weird that way).
This is what the bag looks like when it's filled up with goodies.
We loaded the 12 bags into a box to keep in the car. My plan is that when I see someone in need, I can just pull over and give them one. Or if there is a homeless person at a freeway entrance I can hand them a bag out the window, instead of loose change.
Maybe it'll brighten someone's day.
I know that this is such a small gesture. I know that the problems of the world are overwhelming and this is such a tiny bandaid. But I hope it helps.
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