Several years ago, a young couple from our local church was pondering what to do about the various people they saw on street corners around town asking for food or money. This couple didn’t want to just hand out money. They weren’t sure cash was going to be used in what they considered an appropriate manner, but they also didn’t want to ignore sincere pleas for help from those truly in need.
After thinking and praying about it, this couple came up with a simple idea that not only met the immediate needs of the person on the street corner, but also met the desire of the couple to provide help in a practical way without feeling someone might be taking advantage of their kind hearts.
Their solution? A great little idea they dubbed “Friendship Bags.”
They made up several small paper lunch bags of inexpensive and helpful items (easy-open cans of food, juice, change for a phone call, etc.). They carried the bags with them in their car for those moments when someone waved a “Homeless … need money for food” sign next to their car window.
Eventually word got around to the leadership of our church about this couple’s “Friendship Bags” and a new church ministry was born. Now every month, a small group of dedicated volunteers get together and make up a batch (about fifty) of Friendship Bags. These bags are then brought to the church and left in the foyer for anyone who’d like to keep a bag or two in their car for giving out as they’re driving around town.
Each of the church’s Friendship Bags contain:
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a pop-top can of fruit, or fruit cocktail
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a pop-top can of vienna sausage
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a small can of juice
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a package of cheese and crackers, or peanut
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butter and crackers
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a napkin and plastic fork
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a moist towelette
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one all-day bus pass
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change for a local phone call
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a coupon for a free shower at the local YMCA
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a card with a list of community contact phone numbers (crisis clinic, food bank, Salvation Army, etc.)
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a small tract and note from the church inviting them to stop by or call if they need any further assistance
If you’ve been puzzled about finding an appropriate response to the needy on our streets, perhaps making up a few Friendship Bags of your own might provide an answer. It makes a great family project, too.
Just want to say thanks for sharing this idea. My husband and I have shared similar concerns in Glasgow, Scotland (UK) and think this is a brilliant and practical way of showing love and concern.
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Thanks for the idea of spreading these Friendship Bags by having a few in the car!
When I lived in Haifa in Israel for a few month, the apartment was situated at the central vegetable market. Lots of homeless or poor people came there every evening to save edible pieces from the ground or digging the containers for food scraps from the surrounding houses.
I used to pack a few small bags every day, with a piece of soap, a bottle of water, bread, some cans, a vegetable or fruit, and a roll of toilet paper.
I tied them in a place where the homeless used to rest at night.
Whenever I saw someone digging in the containers for food scraps, I went down and gave them a pre-packed bag (I always had a few of them prepared at home). The gratefulness these people showed was incredible.
Just a few small items of food and comfort made their hard lives easier.
I hope your idea about Friendship Bags will spread, because they do really make a difference in the lives of people who are really in need.
I love your website! One of the things that I’m currently working on is Care Kits for the homeless and wanted to suggest that your church use it’s Non Profit Status to maybe add a few things to your Friendship bags.
It will require phone calls, but people don’t mind giving. Call a few dentists (especially your own) and some hotels and ask for a donation of shampoos, soaps, tooth brushes and toothpaste.
I tell them even if they can only donate 10 of each item, it will go a long way to make a difference for someone who is homeless.
Thanks for all the encouragement and great ideas. I love the spring cleaning check list!
I absolutely love this idea!! I’ve been praying for a long time that our church reach out to more of the poor in our community–that IS the heart of God, is it not? And this is a perfect start!!! It’s small and doable for anyone who is interested. I love Maria’s addition of toothpaste and brushes. If everyone just asked his/her dentist for a few each visit, I bet you could amass quite a number. And how about shampoo and soap you get in hotels?
I can hardly wait to get it started.
You have a wonderful site. Would love to trade links and posts with you.
Let me know.
Margaret Dasso, cleaningproz.wordpress.com
One city in our area just did a “snapshot” census of a homeless camp and found 300 people. The temp got down to 7degrees recently. My heart has gone out to individuals I’ve seen, but like many folks I didn’t have anything on hand to help.
Thank you so much for sharing this idea. I shared it on twitter.