Imagine that you are a homeless child… you wake up at the shelter where you and your family are staying. You need to get ready for school, but you do not have toothpaste or a toothbrush.

Project:

Provide grooming essentials to children in shelters

Here's what you need:

• A 1-gallon size plastic zip-lock bag
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 small tube of toothpaste
• 1 large comb or small hairbrush
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small face cloth
• 1 travel size bar of soap
• 1 “fun” item such as a NEW matchbox car, package of stickers or small stuffed animal

Here’s what you’re doing:

Discuss with your family why kids in shelters are in need of these items. As a family, create toiletry kits for kids.

Here’s How!

1. Connect with your local homeless shelter or low-income pediatric clinic. Ask them if they would like to receive your kits.
2. Purchase the bags and the suggested items.
3. Assemble the kits. All kits should have all of the above items.
4. Include a homemade card or drawing. Sign it “from a family who cares.”
5. Pack the kits up and bring to the designated organization.

Reflection Questions:

How does it feel knowing you helped kids who are homeless?

How did this project change your perspective on your belongings?

What else do you think you can do to help homeless children?

Interesting fact: 

More than 1 in 5 kids in the United States don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

• By participating in this project I take responsibility for its planning and execution, as well as the safety and supervision of young children.