Items for homeless backpack from dollar store?

[Hisgirl]

Our city has a lot of folks in unfortunate situations and I like to hand out a back pack filled with useful items.

Some things I've gotten in the past: sunglasses, crackers, peanut butter, water, socks, paper, pen, cards, soap, toothbrush/paste.

Can you suggest some useful items I can put in my next backpack? I was thinking boxer shorts?

 

[easyas123]

What a beautiful idea.
Sunscreen, chapstick, disposable ponchos come to mind.

 

[barkley]

sunscreen, ballcap or some kind of hat that provides shade/on the flip side a knit cap and gloves for colder months, chapstick or lip balm, washrags, handtowels, travel container for toothbrush, flushable wipes.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Stamps
Deck of cards / UNO

 

[Rogue1677x]

I honestly commend you for what you are doing. I've been in positions where I worked 3 jobs and couldn't afford more than rent and utilities. Bare minimum of food was a luxury.

If you can find foil blankets, those might be helpful, though I'm not sure if you can find them at the dollar store or similar. A comb or hairbrush would be useful as well.

 

[Hisgirl]

These fantastic ideas. I thought of nail clippers! A flashlight!

 

[firefly_ris]

Tweezers
Band-aids

 

[Hisgirl]

I was able to get a lot of these things! I added a shower curtain to be used as a tarp!

 

[Minnesota!]

disposable wipes, collapsible water bottle, travel deodorant/lotion/hygiene products, tampons/pads, beef jerky

 

[cabanafrau]

Socks and hygiene products are always the biggest asks when our church hosts the homeless.

 

[anniemae]

I agree with pp, socks and personal hygiene products. Deodorant, mints, wipes etc.

 

[barkley]

waterproof tape (like duct tape)-can be used to repair shoes in a pinch.

 

[Hisgirl]

Duct tape!!!!

 

[NannyBeBe]

Eating utensils -- fork, knife, spoon; can opener.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I’ve participated in collections like this. Underwear, socks, and toiletries are the most requested items.

 

[Southernmiss]

Small wash cloths or towels

 

[tvguy]

There is huge demand here for personal care products Generally in smaller containers, like travel sizes.

 

[Turn the Page]

A friend of mine volunteers extensively at a local food pantry. She says one of the items prized there is a can opener. Many people donate canned goods to food pantries and such but those do people no good if they can't open them.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Our local shelter asks for non-crunchy snacks, e.g. chewy granola/protein bars. Many of the people they help have (major) dental problems, so hard crunchy foods are difficult or painful to eat.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you so much for doing this! God willing when I have recovered from feet isdues and am able to get out again, I will make a backpack for someone too and share the idea with my church. I agree with all the previous suggestions. I would add a notebook and pen. Perhaps a puzzle book, reading book, or Bible. Paper plates, cups, and napkins to go with plasticware and wipes/kleenex. One last idea for now is a first aid kit.