keep care kits in your car

Care kits are a great way to show homeless people that they matter. Once you make a kit, pack them, keep them in your car, and then hand them out when opportunities arise.
Download Care Kits pdf here.

Consider including things like:

Water & Snacks

Here is a list of snacks that are great to include.

  • Bottled Water
  • Nuts
  • Granola Bars
  • Fruit
  • Crackers
  • Fruit Snacks
  • Trail Mix

Weather Protection

Living outside in the heat and the cold has unique challenges. Consider including seasonal items and switching them out as the seasons change.

Summer

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat or Visor
  • Extra Water

Winter

  • Hand Warmers
  • Knit Hat
  • Gloves
  • Scarf

New Socks

Washing clothes is often difficult for homeless people. Addionally, many individuals who are struggling with homelessness also spend a lot of time on their feet and walk almost everywhere. New, thick, quality pairs of socks will bring sweet relief to tired feet. 

Hygiene Items

Here is a list of great hygiene items to consider. Please avoid items that contain alcohol.

  • Deodorant
  • Tampons
  • Small Shampoos
  • Chapstick
  • Body Wipes
  • Soap
  • Comb or Brush 
  • First Aid Kit
  • Razor & Shaving Cream
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Meal Tickets

All Boise Rescue Mission Ministries’ facilities offer warm, nutritious meals, shelter, clothes, and other valuable services to help get people back on their feet. Including our meal tickets will give people the information they need to find help. Download meal tickets here.

Tips & Tricks

  • Putting the care kit items in zip-lock bags will help keep items together and dry. 
  • Include a handwritten note or Bible verse to let people know they are not alone.
  • Offer encouraging words and a smile. 
  • Offer to pray with them and remember them in your prayers.

Plan a Care Kit Party.

Gather your family, friends, co-workers, or community group, purchase some basic supplies, and have fun putting together simple little kits that meet the practical needs of homeless men and women in our community and let them know how much they matter.

COLD/FLU CARE KITS

When starting to build this kit, we used the following supplies:

  • Bottled Water
  • Plastic Bag
  • Heavy Duty Rubber Band
  • Vitamin C Supplement
  • Sore Throat Lozenges
  • Anti-Bacterial Wipes
  • Lip Balm
  • Daytime Cold/Flu Medicine
  • Otc Pain Reliever
  • Tissues
  • Cough Drops
  • A Snack
  • Bandages (For Blisters)
  • And a note of encouragement (handwritten might be even better)
  • Finally, include a Rescue Mission "Meal Ticket" (available to print here) so they know there is a hot meal and warm bed ready and waiting for them

Feel free to add or subtract, make your kits simpler or more complex; every little bit counts and will make someone's life a little better this winter.

These kits can easily be carried in your trunk or glove compartment and are a great item to give to anyone you see struggling to make it on the street. It's a great way to let them know that someone cares and is a great opportunity to let them know that there is help for them at the Mission; they are welcome here.

Find more ideas for practical kits to help our neighbors in need at Pinterest.com/boiserescue

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