How to Build Holiday Care Packages

Marlene Alexander

While we're busily buying Christmas presents for friends and relatives, it seems only right that we should give a thought to those who won't be enjoying the holiday season without a bit of help.

Many organizations have their members put together shoe box gifts for specific needs. Here are a few worthy causes and how $10, more or less, can help give someone a happier Christmas this year.

Disaster Relief

This year, we are reminded once again that Mother Nature can be a destructive old girl. Your group can help with the mop-up after Hurricane Sandy, by providing buckets filled with cleaning supplies. Discount stores like Dollarama have everything you need from buckets to brand name all-purpose cleaners. A few suggestions to include in a disaster relief kit:

paper towels
scrub sponges
rubber gloves
scrub brushes
Comet powdered disinfectant cleanser
Spic and Span all-purpose cleaner
garbage bags

Military Serving Overseas

Maybe you know someone serving in the military overseas. Even if you don't, you may choose to put together a gift for a man or woman in the military. Here are the types of things they will appreciate:

basic hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shave cream, hand sanitizer, body lotion, and lip balm and extra socks
snacks such as crackers, water, beef jerky, chips, nuts, etc.
antibacterial wipes or baby wipes, used to clean themselves and their weapons.
pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
items for relaxation and fun such as playing cards, pens, paper, word finds, etc.
"AA" batteries are great for CD players, flashlights, and other portable devices.
Seal items in zipper-seal bags. This will help keep sand out and contents sealed in - useful in case something leaks during shipping.
a note of encouragement, reminding them that someone is thinking about and supporting them.

Children's Charities

Most churches ask their members to participate in some kind of giving, either for the community they live in or for children suffering in poverty in countries like Africa. While it's probably too late to build a care package for shipping overseas, there are plenty of children here at home who would not otherwise enjoy a special day, even at Christmastime. Decide on the age and gender of the child then follow these suggestions:

toys and fun activities like a plush animal, colored pencils or markers, coloring and activity books, etc.
personal care basics such as child's toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth and soap
snacks, juice boxes and hard candy
socks
hats, gloves, and scarves
school supplies like pencils, notebooks, fun erasers, etc.

Women's and Homeless Shelters

I can't imagine being without a real home during the holidays. You can make someone's day a little merrier by including these items in a care package for a women's or homeless shelter:

basics, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, body lotion, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
if for a women's shelter, add feminine hygiene supplies
washcloths
lip balm
bandages
pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
manicure sets
cotton balls and cotton swabs
hair brush and comb

You'll be able to find most of what you need at a dollar store. The Dollar Tree website has more suggestions for specific care packages and their contents but, if you live here in Canada, you won't be able to order the products shown from the website. You can, however, print out labels to attach to your care packages.

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