What Should I Put In A Care Package For The Homeless?

This is the time of the year when a lot of people donate to charity and try to help those that are less fortunate. Winter is a tough time of the year - especially when you don't have a roof over your head or a warm place to spend the night.

However, too often in the rush to donate goods to help those who are without a home we include items that we "think" they will need. But, unless you've been in their situation yourself, it's very difficult to determine exactly what they will find most beneficial.

I recently ran across this blog - written by a woman who at one time was homeless herself. She offers some pretty good ideas of items that can be donated, that you may not have thought of. Her insight seems very beneficial.

One reminder: Human emotions can often take over in situations like this and it's important to be aware of the potential for yourself to be taken advantage of. If you're looking to help the homeless population, it's best to do it in conjunction with an agency that has been set up already. Bring your donations to organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, the Damiano Center, et al. If you don't donate via an established outreach program, you run the risk of your help not being utilized in the manner in which you intended.