One of my favorite stories tells of a young boy making his way down the beach. He comes across numerous starfish lying on the sand. Instead of walking by, he takes the time to toss some of the starfish back into the ocean. An old man witnesses his actions and comments that he’s wasting his time, that there’s too many of them and it won’t make a difference. The young boy then tosses another starfish into the water and replied, “It made a difference to that one.”
Everyone has causes that touch their hearts. And most of the time, if we dwell on the size and scope of that cause and the needs associated with it, it can become overwhelming. Take homelessness if you will. With so many in need of food, shelter and medical attention, it’s easy to see why so many people choose not to see the need. It’s easier to ignore the problem than to take action.
After coming across a post of Facebook about hygiene bags for the homeless, I decided to join the movement.
For less than $25.oo, I was able to put together three hygiene bags. I included things like socks, a hand towel, bandages as well as toiletries. While these bags only serve as a small band-aid on a gaping wound, I hope that the recipients realize that they aren’t forgotten. In a society that places too much emphasis and value on things of no consequence, it’s important to remember that no one should be relegated to the alone and forgotten category.
Theses bags have been placed in our cars to be given out as needed. And like the kid in the story, I hope that I can make a difference in the lives of those with whom I come in contact.
So – What moves you? Please comment on the things you’re doing to make the world a better place. You never know – your passion might inspire another to try and make a difference.
dsmcknight.com 
What a great idea. I am helping people with mental health problems. Trying to erase the stigmas associated with it.
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That is awesome. Good luck with your efforts!
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Thank you!
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No, this is NOT a good idea. The HL have a variety of places they receive packets like yours and more. Giving ANYTHING to them that ENABLES them to remain living in the streets is helping them to commit suicide one day at a time. They need mental health help or substance abuse help but NOT money or food or soap packets that keep them on the streets ignoring the issues they need to confront. Your just enabling their continuing decline.
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I respect your opinion. And in a perfect world, I might even agree. But in my neck of the woods, mental health/substance abuse facilities are few and far between. And if you don’t have insurance, you are very quickly “cured” and rotated back onto the streets. Not every homeless person suffers from mental illness or substance abuse. Some have just fallen on hard times. If providing socks, toothpaste and shampoo can relieve a burden on a homeless person, then that is what I’m going to do.
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I saw a similar idea on Pinterest last year and went and handed a few out to the homeless in my local town. Thanks for reminding me to do this more often!
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Sorry for the delay in responding – When I think of GB, I’ve never once thought of homelessness. I guess I’ve always viewed your country through a romantic lens. I guess no matter where we are the human condition is much the same.
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This is a wonderful idea! If everyone did a little something it would make a huge difference!
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Thanks Dr Meg!
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