Hope Bags

[dizcrazy]

We have a club at work that sponsors events and activities to support the community. For example, at Christmas, we adopt needy families and grant them their wish list. (Done in coordination with the local police)

Now, we are working to create Hope Bags - small bags with toiletries that can be given to girls age 10-18 who are placed in foster care or shelters. This is done to make the girls know that someone cares, and because we have been told that many leave their homes with nothing.

The items for the bags: deodorants, shampoos, nail polish, nail files, hair ribbons, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss.

Can my fellow Dis'ers please let me know if you can think of any other items, and also if you see any really good sales so I can buy in bulk?

Thanks!

 

[renessa]

I get a lot of little things free with coupons. If you would be willing to share an address- perhaps a business address would make you more comfortable- then I would be happy to donate some items. I have tons of toothbrushes. I can also add in some little extras, some sample sizes,etc. I have a bit of makeup as well. I probably couldn't mail it till Tuesday, but would be happy to support this wonderful cause. Renessa

Edited to add: I meant to send this in a PM. You can PM an address if you'd like.

 

[j's m]

DS's student council is collecting for Mother's Day bags for Mother's Matter organization. Shop Rite has deodorant on sale for $.99 and I had coupons, so I got 8 for free. They also had White Rain shampoo on sale for $ .69 and I had coupons for a dollar off 2. Our Super G also had 99 cent lipsticks and nail polish for buy one get one free.

I don't know how many you need, how many bags you want to make up, but try Sam's club to see if you can buy in bulk, also Target and Kohl's usually have good clearance stuff, too.

Mascara, lipstick, disposable razors would be good for the older girls. Also scented soaps, bubble bath, hand cream.

Good luck

 

[soccermom5]

i am from jersey also and would love to help please let me know if i can do anything

 

[soccermom5]

i forgot to ad a Diary any dollar store has them and i know at that age that was my best friend!!

 

[Maureenmouse]

Although these girls are older, I think that some of them would love to have a stuffed animal to hug. I teach middle school and know that even though the girls may not play with dolls anymore, they still love their stuffed animals. Just a thought. Do the girls need schol supplies too? Maybe some gel pens or fancy writing paper?

 

[CarolA]

Um.... female supplies.... Espeically for older girls.

 

[juliegirl]

Try Michael's for the 'diary's - they often have blank book or journals in their $1 bins, as well as cute soaps, etc.

Hair accessories?

At the risk of being jaded, might I suggest that if you are sending bags in volume to group homes, that each be individualized in some way. What I mean is not all in the same size pink gift bag. Maybe add stickers/designs to make each bag "unique".

I had a friend in high school who lived in a group home, there were some pretty tough characters there, if they had it in for you, they made things horrible. They once put rubbing alcohol in her contact lens case because they thought she had something of theirs!

So I would so what you can to keep the bags "identifiable" but even.

 

[ladysoleil]

Definitely "Feminine" products for the older girls.

I'd also suggest anticavity dental rinse/flouride rinse if you can get that in small size bottles (like ACT). Not to give you a horror story, but my husband grew up in foster homes and unfortunately due to lack of care, his dental health suffered badly- he's had a lot of very painful and expensive dental problems as a result, so anything you can do to prevent that is a very, kind and helpful thing.

A comb and small mirror would be handy, also nail clippers.

Fun lip balms like Bonne Bell stuff would probably be appreciated as well, especially for the younger girls who are too young for lipstick just yet, although older girls like the flavored lipglosses just as much. Heck, I still like them.

 

[funnygarcia]

Other items to consider:
Brush, comb
cute pair of socks just for fun
acne medicine/face wipe (travel/sample size)
lip smackers
washcloth/bath pouf


You could put the items in a "ditty bag" - a cloth bag with drawstring closure. Use a variety of fabrics/colors to make it more personalized. Disney fabrics


Travel sizes are easy to purchase with coupons, post on a coupon trading board (try Mycoupons.com) and I am sure tons of people will send you coupons or even donations of products.
I can't double coupons here but I have never had to pay for toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner ,body wash, antiperspirant and specialty face wash like Olay or Dove wipes. I shop at Target or Walmart for the small sizes.

 

[dizcrazy]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses.

soccermom5 & renessa, I PM'd you. ~Chris

 

[kikipug]

Check with a professional beauty supply company in your area (I think Emeliani services NJ)... companies like that often donate samples or discontinued items to charities. If you aren't sure what company to go through, ask your hairdresser who they buy their professional products from.

 

[Disney_1derland]

oriental trading company has some cute multicolored drawstring bags that are 5x7 for $10/dozen, that's about as cheap as it gets I think. Plus you can often get free shipping and other codes for discounts from them. the item # is IN-14/120.

 

[cbrfan]

I don't know if this would be appropriate or even allowed, but the phone cards from Sam's cost only around $3 each when bought in multi-packs. It might be nice if they could call friends or grandparents that live far away.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

I know my local CVS had little locking diaries on clearance for $.50 each. They were individually wrapped in plastic and included a lock and key. I don't know where in NJ you are located, but I am also in NJ and the CVS I am talking about is in Cherry Hill.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I work with this age group in the foster care system. I have been for 17 years. These girls get VERY excited over body sprays, lotions, Journals to write in, hair ties and hair supplies, books, Craft supplies( that is always a big one),stationary and fun pens,Little $5 gift cards, Phone cards ( to call what little family they have in different areas) make up, lip balm ( always a big one also) and ALWAYS... stuffed animals!!!!!
These are a few of the things that my girls are always happy to get and are always asking for.
Many of the every day items ( shampoo etc... are ALWAYS great but please remember that that seems to be what everyone is always getting them when they are in the system. They really want the things that other "regular kids" get. That is what they tell me.
Thank you also to everyone who does these wonderful things. Many of these kids are so great and loving and just don't deserve to be in the positions that they are. Many of my girls will say they screwed up and that is why they have been placed. I always tell them they didn't get here by themselves.
I could go on and on but just wanted people to know that these things are VERY appreciated!!!! By the kids and by the adults that work with them.

 

[Shagley]

Maybe check with some local hotels to see if they would be willing to donate some of their small shampoos, scented soaps and lotions. I think some of the hotels in my area have donated items like that to worthy causes.

Also, don't forget to include AA batteries. Kids go through these very quickly with their hand held games and CD players. Maybe write a letter to Energizer and Duracell and ask for donations. Years ago I answered letters for Energizer and back then they would have sent at least some coupons for the batteries.