Sharing the Blessing

Did you know that approximately 15% of the homeless population in Tarrant County are Children. Have you ever wondered how those kids get their food or clothing and other basic necessities? Well we can change that. With “Sharing the Blessing'' we make a promise that we will do anything we possibly can to supply these kids and their families with the necessities they need. We will be the people they need to survive and hopefully get back on their feet. But don't forget the kids that we all go to school with, that go home to no food. There are more and more people in our community that are becoming homeless or are struggling to pay bills and receive other necessities. This is why I have chosen “sharing the blessing ” to be our divisional project. I want to gather basic necessities such as clothing, food, water and hand them to those in need. Down below are many ways we can volunteer and change this pattern of poverty. I hope y'all enjoy this project and I know yall will help so many people. I can't wait to see what y’all accomplish and if yall ever need any help or have questions please message or email me.

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Blessing Bags - Blessing bags are bags filled with necessities such as water bottles, snacks, clothing etc.

1. Gather basic necessities like water, snacks, clothing and pack them in bags.

   1. Please pack them in a durable ziploc bag or a backpack that is easier to carry.

   2. Put items that you deem necessary or approved items that are listed down below.

2. Once you have made or collected enough bags, begin handing them out.

   1. You can pick a day with your members to go hand them out to homeless people. Please do not go by yourself.

   2. You can put them in your car and when you see a homeless person stop and hand them a bag.

3. Take pictures of your service!

   1. Please take pictures so I can put them in my newsletter! Make sure to take action pictures, but DO NOT take pictures with homeless people or children. Remember they are in a very vulnerable time of their lives and we are only trying to supply them with the necessities that they need. WE DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THEM UNCOMFORTABLE.

School Food Pantry - A school food pantry is perfect for students who go home to no food. It can contain water, food, and clothing.

1. Talk to your Principal and advisor to see if your distinct has any guidelines.

   1. Please have a meeting with your principle and advisor to see if your school can make this project happen.

   2. Keep in mind that this project may be difficult to set up and please be patient.

2. Once your club gets approval, ask your school to send an email out to parents who may need help providing for their children.

   1. Ask your school to send emails out to parents to see if they need food or other necessities. Be sure to also put flyers for kids who may need the items.

   2. Once you people reply if they need a food send it off!

3. Send students home with any necessities they may need.

   1. In some cases the food may be too heavy for students to carry. I would suggest that students wait till the end of the day to receive their items.

4. Take pictures!

   1. Don't forget to take pictures and send them to me so they can be posted or featured in my newsletters. Remember some people may feel uncomfortable so please be aware and ask or only take pictures of yourself. For a better chance in being featured make sure to take action pictures.

Donate items - Another great way to support the homeless is to donate to homeless shelters.

1. Gather items

   1. A perfect way to find out what items homeless shelters need is to go to their website and find their contact info. Once you find their contact info make a call or email them and see what supplies they need.

   2. You can hold a drive that is school wide or with your club.

2. Donate the items

   1. Once your club has received enough items donate them to your local homeless shelter. Please contact the homeless shelter before you go and drop off any item.

3. Take Pictures

   1. Please take pictures and send them to me! I would love to see all the hard work y’all do. Don't forget to make it an action picture. Who knows, maybe you will be featured on social media!?!

Seasonal Items - We all know how bipolar Texas weather is, this is a great way to help the homeless community be a little comfortable during those moments.

1. Look at the current weather and see what you will need

   1. Depending on the time of year it may be cold or hot so make sure you are handing out the proper gear during the proper season.

   2. Gather items based on the current weather such as hoodies, cold water, etc.

2. Once your club gathers the proper materials go and hand them out.

   1. Depending on the time of year, you will be handing out jackets and blankets or cold water and shorts.

   2. Either way once you have enough items choose a day with your club to go hand them out. Please do not hand items out alone.

3. Take a Picture!

   1. Remember to take action pictures but please don't make anyone uncomfortable. Make sure you send them to me so I can post them or feature your club in my newsletter.

Make a Public food pantry - This is a great way to help provide necessities for people that don't go to school.

1. Find a Location

   1. Talk to your advisor and other community leaders to see when you can set up a food pantry.

2. Stock Location

   1. Once the location is set up continue to stock location for people in need. You may want to talk to your officers, members and maybe some other people in the community to stock the location as well.

3. Make your locations Know!

   1. Once your location is ready to go put it on the web. Make sure to spread the word about your location so we can help as many people as possible. Some good ways to post it on social media, have your school send out emails, pass out flyers, and try to get it in the newspaper.

Volunteer and Stay in contact with your local homeless shelter - The homeless shelter is a great place to volunteer and create bonds with people you may have never ran into.

1. Stay in contact with your local homeless shelter to see any updates they might have or any other volunteering opportunities.

Approved Items to put in Blessing bags - The items down below are items that are okay to include in your “blessing bags”. Make sure if you make “blessing bags” that you put it in a durable bag. Please make sure your club follows this list to ensure the safety of everyone.

• Place items in Ziploc or other durable bag

• Dinks (ex: water, apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, etc.)

• Snacks (ex: granola bars, cheez its, tuna, fruit cups, crackers, etc.)

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash

• Hair ties

• Soap

• Forks and spoons

• First Aid Kit (ex: band aids, alcohol wipes, Advil, etc.)

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Femine products

• Clothing (ex: socks, underwear, shirt, hoodie, etc.)

• Blankets

• Wipes (unscented)

• Kleenex

• Gloves

• Rain poncho

• Roll of quarters for laundry

• Deodorant

• Comb

• Hand sanitizer

• Lotion

• Hot hands ( during winter)

If an item that you wish to include is not on here please make sure to email me and ask for approval.

I hope y'all have fun and reach as many people as possible. Please stay safe and make sure to take extra precautions especially since we are still battling coronavirus. I can't wait to see what y’all accomplish. Keep me updated and don't forget to send me service project photos. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to message or email me.