ONGOING INITIATIVE
Donate care packs to your local charity today!
The Garden will provide a grant to you or your ecclesia for up to $250USD ($335CDN) to alleviate the costs associated with purchasing items for these much-needed care packages.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
To get started, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Or, if you already know what you’re doing, jump directly to the grant request form below. If you have any questions, please contact us.
1. Pray to God to guide your efforts
2. Consider whether you want to donate the carepacks to a local charity or hand them out to individuals.
This decision will impact what you purchase for your packs and how you package them. Charities which might welcome care pack donations include homeless shelters, women’s shelters, Red Cross or another organization helping people affected by natural disasters. This website will help you find local homeless charities.
3. If you plan to donate to a charity, contact the charity you have selected.
Ask them if they have a need for care packs and what items they would like you to include or avoid. Also find out if they prefer the items in clear plastic bags or in another container.
4. If you plan to hand out the care packs to individuals, consider what you want to put into your care packs and how you want to package them.
How will you hand out the care packs? Will they be stored in your car for longer periods of time or will you hand them all out at once? This will impact what can go into them. Also think about how you want to package them. One creative option is to fill a pair of socks with small items. Another is to provide a small backpack or tote bag or lunch bag filled with items. A shoebox is another option, which can be decorated for an added touch of warmth.
5. Work out the budget per care pack and purchase the items
What you choose to go into your care packs depends on several factors, including budget, who you plan to donate them to, and how you plan to donate them. Here’s a list of possible items to consider:
- A large-print Bible or New Testament (large print helps for individuals who need but can’t afford glasses)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Travel-sized deodorant
- Travel-sized body wash and shampoo
- Wide tooth comb
- Disposable razor
- Tissue pack
- Small pack of bandaids
- Travel-sized hand wipes
- Water bottle (but don’t store these in a hot car)
- Nonperishable snack items
- Socks
Consider buying brand-name products if possible. They may cost a little more, but receiving brand-name products can help boost self-esteem. Don’t forget to include the cost of your packaging in the budget. If you are planning to put together larger packages, we recommend this source for tote-bags.
What NOT to include in Care Packs…
- High sugar items or hard foods or candies – many homeless people do not have access to dental care
- Alcohol-based products – things such as mouth wash and hand sanitizer may contain alcohol and can be tempting for addicts to drink
- Bar soap – soap is available in most public bathrooms and bar soap is hard to transport once it gets wet
- Medications or vitamins – even over-the-counter medications like Tylenol should be avoided as it may tempt some people to overdose
- Anything that might melt or spoil in the sun
6. Create – set a date for your team to meet to put the packs together.
Decide whether you would like to include postcards with a handwritten message or drawing or a flyer introducing Christadelphians and your local contact information. Orders for either item can be placed via the grant application at the bottom of this page or by contacting us at initiatives@thegardenoutreach.org. If it is okay with your group, take some pictures to include with a report to The Garden Outreach. With your permission, we will share the pictures and stories on our social media to help inspire others to faith and good works.
7. Distribute or deliver your carepacks.
Arrange with your charity a time to drop off the care packs
If you are going to donate them to a charity, arrange a time to drop them off. Invite a few members of your team to come along and take some photos if the charity staff give permission. Make sure it is okay for the photos to be shared on social media. Find out how your group can continue to support the work of the charity.
9. Share – submit a brief report with one or two of your photographs to The Garden Outreach.
We would like to share your report and photos on our social media to encourage other brothers and sisters to reach out to their communities and share Christ’s love. Please let us know if you do not want the report or photos to be shared on social media. Submit a story of your experience here!
If you’re ready to get started:
Please direct any questions to initiatives@thegardenoutreach.org