The homeless can always use help, but winters are especially hard. So here’s a list of things that are easy and inexpensive and can make a big difference for someone trying to stay warm and dry out there.
- Not waiting until Thanksgiving or Christmas to give something. It’s cold right now.
- Duct tape. There’s nothing you can’t fix with duct tape: shoes, leaky tarps, tears in clothes, bags, sleeping bags . . .
- Your old sleeping bags.
- Tarps keep out the rain and the wind. For under $6.- at Wal-Mart, you can get an 8×10 ft tarp. The homeless I’ve talked to prefer brown or green–good camouflage.
- Warm socks. When shopping for yourself, pick up a three-pack and hand them out to three homeless people.
- Fleece sweaters. A few bucks at Goodwill.
- Fleece-lined pants, also a few bucks at Goodwill.
- Wind-tight coats, a few bucks . . . well, you get the picture.
- Idem gloves, scarfs and wool caps.
- Got fleece throws coming out your ears? Fold one double and sew up one of the short ends and the long side and Hey Presto, you have a fleece sleeping bag liner that will help keep a homeless person nice and toasty. Or, if you’re not into sewing, Wal-Mart has fleece sleeping bags for about $10.-
So go through your closets and go to some Goodwills. Have your gifts at arm’s reach in your car, ready to pleasantly surprise someone.
Resident Alien -- Being Dutch in America 
Lovely ideas, Barbara.
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Sounds like a perfect plan for early ‘Santa’s’ 🙂
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My daughter recently accompanied some med personnel to a homeless camp. She enjoyed the experience and came away w a great respect for the people others are so quick to criticize. Now she knows why I frequently check in w the groups and leave supplies.
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Cool. I’m glad you do. Thanks for reading.
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