Kids are really the ultimate helpers. Do you know why that is? Because kids actually still hold onto the belief that what they do can make a difference. It's something that, as we grow older, sometimes we forget. But the truth is, everyone can make an impact, no matter how small.
That's never more true than when it comes to caring for the homeless in the winter. And if you happen to have a kid in your life, you've probably heard them express utter confusion around why there is someone living on the street, without a home, or gloves and a hat. It's a reality that we all get used to, but really, we shouldn't.
Kids genuinely care, and they want to help, too. So harness their enthusiasm and let them help with one of these projects that show love and caring and can make someone's life a tiny bit easier.
1. Make Blessing Bags
Blessing bags are bags of simple things that you can keep in your car and hand out whenever you see someone in need. They're easy to make, too, and kids will love the part where they get to give them out and see the smile on someone's face. You can put things like a pair of socks, a warm hat, a bottle of water, and a snack inside. Kids are creative forces, so they will likely have the best ideas, even including little notes and pictures. Anything to brighten someone's day works.
2. Turn Plastic Bags Into Sleep Mats
It's terrible to think that anyone has to live on the street, especially when the weather gets cold. But some small efforts can go a long way. Homeless people are in need of some staples like socks, gloves, and something to sleep on. Old yoga mats can be cleaned and donated, but if you don't have them, you can also repurpose plastic bags and turn them into sleep mats. For kids who know how to crochet or knit, this is a perfect project. Check out this tutorial to learn how.
3. Mend Clothes and Give Them Out
Instead of throwing old clothes in the trash, turn fixing them into a project. For one, it's a great way to teach kids the basics of sewing. Anyone can learn to sew a patch on a pair of pants or mend a pair of socks with a hole. It also helps teach kids that clothes should be valued, because not everyone has what they need. Keep them on hand, and when you see someone in need, you can ask if they need a pair of socks, a sweater, or a pair of pants.
4. Leave a Winter Weather Item Somewhere It Can Be Found
One of the coolest projects kids can do is make something all on their own. While learning to knit can be a challenge, someone who is more concerned about warmth rather than fashion won't mind beginner mistakes. Then you can leave the items — whether a scarf, hat, or whatever it may be — somewhere you know someone in need will find it. Add a special note to let the person know it's theirs for the taking.
If kids don't have the patience yet to learn to knit, that's OK. You can definitely complete this project by giving new life to your old winter weather items.
5. Create a Snack Giveaway Box
We've all seen those popular Little Free Libraries pop up just about everywhere — the little roadside boxes that you can take a book from or leave a book in. But either way, free books have become easier to get your hands on with the invention of these free libraries. Shouldn't snacks also be free, though? This simple project takes the same idea and suggests we make snack boxes to help anyone who is hungry. It's the absolute perfect way to help a homeless person in need, and it doesn't take a lot of time, energy, or cash to create.
