We think anyone who has faced the dilemma of assisting someone at (e.g.) the end of an expressway ramp or red light -- and being unsure if its prudent to give money can appreciate the idea of blessing bags --offered to us by Kenny Kidd, Executive Director of FOCUS NA.

Consider carrying 1 or 2 "Blessing Bags" (see photo) in your car and store them in a location that is easy to reach whenever you might encounter someone in need as you are on the road. The jury is out whether a paper or plastic bag is better…….a paper bag can be burned in a campfire, but is vulnerable to the rain; a plastic bag will protect items from the rain, but often ends up as litter.   There is no easy answer here.

Items to consider including in a Blessing Bag:

• 1-2 pairs of socks;
• 1-2 bottles of water;
• Travel-size toothpaste/brush;
• Travel-size soaps/wash cloths;
• Breakfast/cereal bars;
• Protein bars;
• Peanut butter/cracker snacks;
• Apple sauce cups; and
• Fruit cups

There are many other non-perishable items that could be included…..these are the items that are often easy to find in bulk.

Parishes can easily create a ministry in which a service group "builds" these bags and makes them available to parishioners to carry in their car. When purchasing in bulk, supplies for 10 bags will cost close to $45.00-$50.00 making the cost per bag close to $4.50-$5.00.  Parishioners will often donate the costback to the ministry --making it self sustaining.