On November 25, 2021, Greater Temecula Valley AYLUS members prepared Holidays Blessing Bags for the local homeless.
As the winter holidays hit, households celebrate with traditions old as time. Trees and candles, Christmas dinners and Hannukah gelt. However, there is a large population of people who will brave the winter cold, alone and attempting to survive. California homelessness is a crisis, with approximately 160,000 homeless, and the number still ri sing.
Thus, members decided to put together minds and resources and create blessing bags. Each bag was carefully filled with essential materials and a small card. A large packet of crackers and a bottle of water were for nourishment. Socks were placed to help the homeless keep warm during the cold winter months. Toiletries such as hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hand wipes were placed to improve cleanliness and prevent disease, particularly during a worldwide pandemic. A KN-95 mask was also within the bag to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and so that they could enter establishments they previously may have been prohibited from entering. Five/Three dollars was also placed in every bag for personal use and could be used to buy food, toiletries, or the like. Each handwritten card contained an uplifting message, in order to help the homeless lift their spirits. Through careful placement, pooled resources, and strategic filling methods, each bag was complete.
With twelve bags completed, we hope that those bags can reach twelve souls, and bring some joy in a time of struggle.
Upon finishing these bags, members split them up and each took a few home, preparing to use them whenever they could. Some even drove around town and hand gave them to people who seemed to be in need. They all were very grateful for the bag as a holiday gift, one kind sir even commented that members were “the future of our world.” Our hearts were warmed greatly by their reactions, and members continued to distribute more bags during the holiday season.
Continue giving Blessing Bags on 12/31/2021 and further on……..
Ally Negulescu(3 hrs), Adora Xiao(2 hrs), Julie Lu(2 hrs), and Jessica Lu(2 hrs)