“Stocking the Streets” is an effort by ELCA World Hunger and your community to care for all our neighbors, some of whom lack a roof over their heads. A “Stocking the Streets” bag includes the items most frequently requested by individuals facing homelessness.
Post this list of items next to your Christmas tree or Advent calendar, along with the bag or bags you will fill. Go shopping — together with family, friends or your church community — early in the season for all the items on the list. Starting on the 12th day of Advent, put one item per day in the “Stocking the Streets” bag.In the days following Christmas, you will be ready to pass out your bags when needed or bring them to a local social services organization that works with unhoused folks.
- First aid kits
- Hygiene wipes
- New socks
- Travel-sized rain poncho
- Hand warmers
- Restaurant gift card
- Flashlight with batteries
- Preloaded transit card
- Resealable plastic bags
- Emergency blanket
- New underwear
- Homemade snacks
Some notes as you prepare and give out your bags:
- You can give these bags to individuals you meet who are homeless or donate them to a local organization that works with unhoused folks.
- Feel free to contact local agencies working with unhoused folks for suggested items that are more critical locally.
- Do NOT give out money.
- Gallon bags work well, but you can also consider sewing your own.
