love packs (for the homeless)

It's been too long since I've posted about bakin' it to the streets. We have actually gone out a few times, but part of the problem is that my camera cable went kaput and I couldn't share some photos from our last family outing. I might share them somewhere down the road, but first wanted to show you a fun little project I did with Lute last week.

We decided to take a trip to the dollar store and Grocery Outlet to gather supplies for 

a few Love Packs. I wanted to put together some bags that had snacks and toiletries and prayer cards to share some love with those who might need it.

What makes these a little more practical than baked goods is that you can just keep them in the car for whenever you need them without worry of anything going bad.

Plus they contain lots of little basics that I tend to overlook as needs for people on the street. 

Here's what I included this time:

It's crazy the goodness you can find at the dollar store: packs of socks, water bottles, toiletries, and on and on.

And Grocery Outlet? I found a huge pack of washcloths for super cheap, plus protein bars, hot chocolate and oatmeal.

I think I got more than enough for 5 big bags of supplies for about $30.

I also included cups, napkins and spoons so they wouldn't need more than hot water to make any of the things included in the pack.

 Everything fit nice and snug into gallon sized zipper bags. 

The boys and I headed out one afternoon after naps and found a few folks along the road who seemed happy with the gift. 
We still have some left in the car for those we might encounter while out and about.

It also provided for great conversation with Lute as we shopped for supplies.

He's definitely coming into an age of understanding, and after shopping with me for more than half an hour, 
he was over it and ready to go home and play.

I told him how proud God was of him for helping Him take care of people that needed a little extra love

and that when we choose to do these things instead of what might seem more fun,

it's a special way to show God we love Him and we want to love people around us.

I love the opportunities for such conversations, because I almost always would rather be doing something more fun 

than what I am doing in the moment, 

so it was a good reminder for mama, too.