Self Organizing - Healthy Kid Kits

Overview
Imagine that you are a homeless child.  You wake up early at the shelter where you and your mother are staying. You eat breakfast and then you are out the door, carrying all that your family owns.  Your family can help homeless children by assembling Healthy Kids Kits.  

Goals

• To provide grooming necessities to children in shelters
• To encourage families to gain a better understanding of homelessness
• To develop compassion for the people you are serving

Supporting Organizations

• Homeless Shelters
• Low-income pediatric clinic

Materials

• One-gallon size plastic zip lock bag
• Toothbrush
• Small tube of toothpaste
• Large comb or small hairbrush
• Small bottle of shampoo
• Small face cloth
• Travel-size bar of soap
• One "fun" item such as a NEW Beanie Baby, matchbox car, or packet of stickers

Instructions

1. Find an organization willing to accept your donations of healthy kids kits. Each volunteer should make 10-15 kits.
2. Discuss with your family why kids in shelters might need these items.
3. Purchase the bags and the suggested items.
4. Assemble the kits. All kits should have above items only.
5. Include a homemade card or drawing signed, "from a family who cares."
6. Pack the kits up and bring to designated organization.

Additional Resources

Homelessness Fact Sheet for Kids at www.HandsOnNetwork.org/FamilyVolunteering/ServiceLearning

Someplace to Go by Maria Testa
When school is dismissed, Davey has no place to go.  Through the eyes of Davey, the author shows how a “homeless day” is a difficult day, an effortful day during which basic human needs like food, warmth, shelter, safety, and companionship become struggles.

A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning
Zettie and her Mama left their warm and comfortable home in Jamaica for an uncertain life in the United Sates. After Papa died, Mama can't find a steady job and they are forced to live in their car. But Mama's unwavering love, support and gutsy determination give Zettie the confidence that, together, they will survive.

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important for families to reflect on their experiences.  Choose one of the reflection activities from the list below.

Magic Wand – This activity uses the concept of a magic wand to help children talk about and reflect on their volunteer experience.  Have your family sit in a circle.  Tell everyone that you have just found a magic wand that allows you to grant wishes, and pose the questions, “If you could grant a wish to one person, who would it be, and what do you think he or she would wish for?”  “How do you think what we did today will make someone feel, and how do you think that is similar to granting a wish?”