Socks of Love for the Homeless at Christmas!

December 09, 2022

Socks of Love for the Homeless at Christmas!

So many people are homeless and forgotten.  The greatest gift you can give is to give to someone who can do nothing for you in return.  People tend to turn their back and shun those that are less fortunate.  Many people are one paycheck away from being homeless.  So do not judge someone else.

Fill one sock with necessities (toothbrush, soap...)- put the other sock in too and donate socks of love to the Homeless on the Street, homeless shelters and such!

What to Put in a Homeless Care Package

Socks for the Homeless

These suggestions were compiled from different sources, all of them from people who are currently homeless or who have been homeless at one point. This list was made in mind for those homeless on the street.

* Put any items you are donating into a good quality ziplock bag, as these are more durable and last longer.

* If you are donating larger items consider giving a tough, first-rate backpack or rucksack.

* Socks. Without a doubt, socks was the first on wishlist of homeless people besides cash or gift cards.

* Body wipes. Many homeless people are not able to take a shower and these are a godsend. Unscented preferable.

*Underwear- boxers for men, cotton panties for women.

* Gift Cards. Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kohl’s, grocery store, Visa, to a haircut place, a bus card, your spare ones from Christmas- these are immensely helpful. Optional is gift cards to McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. Some homeless people are not allowed in fast food restaurants. Some get enough food from churches, soup kitchens, and other charities that it is not as much of a need as other items.

* Small size snack food. A caveat to the optional suggestion above: granola bars, power bars,  chocolate, single serving sized peanut butter, etc. is most appreciated.

*In the winter- hand warmers, gloves, hats.

* For women- sanitary pads and tampons. These are not covered by food stamps and are not always available in shelters (!!).

* Rolls of quarters for laundry and other needs. If you are one of those people who are squeamish about giving cash to the homeless, donating rolls of coins might ease you into it.

* Pack of washcloths.

* A bath sized towel (good if you are giving them a backpack or rucksack to carry it).

* Mylar emergency blankets or a waterproof blanket.

* Rain poncho or a small umbrella.

* Travel size razor and shaving cream. (See note below).

* Stick deodorant. No aerosols.

* A quality all purpose knife (like a Swiss Army knife) with a sharpener to use. As one man put it, “A homeless person doesn’t have silverware, scissors, wire cutters, etc., laying in a drawer somewhere. Opening packages, trimming their hair to keep it out of their face, portioning food, cutting discarded clothing into rags, cleaning up fraying clothes to preserve them, and all uses besides self defense for someone without a home and access to the basic tools we take for granted”.

* Toenail clippers.

* Toothbrushes with caps or covers and travel size toothpaste.

* Hair ties. Both men and women can find uses for hair ties.

* Pens, paper, envelopes, stamps, etc. No pencils, as they break too easily.

* Combs and brushes- Surprisingly hard to come by.

* Travel size Advil or Tylenol.

* A P38, which is a military can opener that is very small and versatile.

* A phone card or throwaway cell phone.

* A windup flashlight.

* Travel size/small first aid kit and/or a sewing kit.

Note: homeless people have differing opinions on travel size soap, shampoo/ conditioner, toothbrushes/ toothpaste, chapstick, etc. – the grooming items. Again, some don’t have access to a shower. Space to carry things is a luxury. Some of those items melt in the summer or freeze in the winter. Some get enough hygiene products from shelters and need other items (such as pads or tampons, bus cards) much more. Use your best judgment based on the area in which you live.

What to Put in a Homeless Care Package

Bless Others!
Cherokee Billie

 



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