A few years ago, I participated in a program that HEA was kind enough to house. The "Peanut Butter Plan" consisted of people gathering monthly to make thousands of sandwiches. The sandwiches were passed out to Denver's homeless on the streets and encampments. My hygiene bags, which are bags with basic hygiene products that those experiencing houselessness need, were also given out. Sadly, Covid began shortly after, and the program had to be paused.
Then, I realized the importance of hygiene bags and wanted to continue to put them together. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 7,000 people were homeless in the Denver Metro area in 2022, a 14-year record. Those that are experiencing homelessness typically don't have access to hygienic products, which can be a life necessity. Since the start of Covid, I'm approaching 4,500 bags made! My bags are distributed nightly by staff at the Saint Francis Center in Five Points, a non-profit organization working directly with this population. I've since learned that the bags are helpful and provide a "talking point" while the staff is passing them out. They encourage those homeless to visit the Saint Francis Center (no strings attached) and take donated shoes and clothing, use the shower facilities, and speak with their counselors who can help them find jobs, housing, and other much-needed assistance.
G'milut Hasadim is the Jewish value of acts of loving kindness that help others. Last December, my 5th grade Sunday School class was studying this concept. For them to better understand its implementation, I explained to my students what I do and showed them what a completed hygiene bag contained. Then I asked my students to help me assemble the smaller bags (emery boards, large safety pins, towelettes, lip balm, etc.), which are then put into larger bags that contain shampoo, deodorant, mylar blankets, hand/toe warmers, etc. The students were excited about making these bags, and in a very short time, with lots of hands helping in an assembly line, we completed well over 100 bags! The students talked about how good they felt about their participation and asked to help on a monthly basis. They truly understand the Jewish concept of G'milut Hasadim.
As I think back to when I first began to help with the hygiene bags, I never imagined that I'd be continuing this project so many years later. I've learned so much about the 7,000 people living on the streets of Denver. Some of the homeless are vets who became addicts while serving in the military. Some are people who suffer from psychiatric issues and cannot afford their medications or access to a doctor. Others may have lost their jobs or homes. Few choose to be homeless, and sadly, the numbers continue to increase, including more women and families.
My most needed items are mylar blankets, hand/ toe warmers, gallon/quart size bags, individually wrapped healthy snacks, travel toothbrushes, dental floss, lip balm, warm gloves and warm hats. Also needed are travel-size toothpaste, soap, deodorant, kleenex packets, and shampoo. Please email me at fei31046@aol.com so you can help me fill these bags.
I hope that you'll join my fifth graders and me in enjoying the good feeling of G'milut Hasadim.
