There are lots of people in the world who would love to perform random acts of kindness more often, but between not having a lot of time, resources, or even ideas, it can be easier said than done.
That’s why it’s so nice that Jennifer Garner decided to share one of the ways that she likes to give back, proving that it doesn’t take much to make someone’s day better. And in this case, that person is someone who is homeless.
It’s common for people to give a homeless person money, but Garner prefers to do more than that. In addition to giving them some cash, she gives them a Ziploc bag full of all kinds of essentials.
She goes over her process in an Instagram video she shared on her page. In it, she revealed that her bags usually include the following: a pair of thick socks, Kleenex, hand wipes, disposable toothbrushes, chapstick, granola bars, and feminine hygiene products.
Providing these sorts of items is especially helpful, in part because having some essential needs covered means that the cash they’re given can go toward others things, like food.
Speaking of which, since getting a hot meal can be vital for someone who is homeless, a great alternative to giving cash or a small snack is giving a gift card to a restaurant.
“Simple, cheap foods like bagels and doughnuts aren’t that helpful,” Diane O’Connell, a community lawyer for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless said. “People who are homeless can usually buy things like that for themselves.”
Another need that often goes unmet are clothing items like socks and undergarments. Since homeless people tend to walk a lot but have a hard time accessing laundry facilities, these garments fall apart the most.
Some other useful items include: toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, hair brushes, soap, lotions, nail clippers, and reusable containers.
One of the best things about giving away filled Ziploc bags like the ones Garner makes is that it can make giving easier. Nowadays, it’s especially common for people to not be able to give a homeless person money simply because they don’t have cash on them.
But with these Ziploc bags, if you prepare them ahead of time, you can keep them in your car or take some with you whenever you leave. That way, you’ll always be ready to help make someone’s day better. And even if you can’t, giving money or items isn’t the only way to make a difference.
“If you don’t have money or time, or capacity to donate,” Diane said, “I still think it’s nice to be respectful and say hello.”
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