The simplest way to complete this activity is to have one or two people do all the shopping for the items to assemble the kits. We will keep the total cost of the kits between $5 and $10 per kit (never having done this - I don't know which end it will be closer to). If you wish to participate, just let me know how many kits your family would like (commit to a number) and then after the shopping is done we will calculate the exact cost per kit (e.g. $6.27) and multiply that per the number of kits you requested. (If each kit were $6.27 10 kits would then be $60.27.) You should bring cash or check to the assembly activity.
I started brainstorming about this project a few years ago when we started going to downtown Chicago so frequently (where you encounter the homeless each block), and more recently as I have wondered how I want to teach Jack to respond to people in need. While everyone I've talked to who ministers in the homeless community states emphatically that it is never a good idea to give money, that is certainly the easiest thing to do. These care kits are bulky, and inconvenient compared to a $5 bill, but I feel they are so much wiser and more 'caring.' I want to teach Jack both wisdom and compassion, and this is my personal solution.
If you wish to join, let me know how many care kits you want to take home after we meet to assemble them all. For example, Richard and I will need 10-20, b/c we encounter homeless people A LOT, but perhaps you only want 2 or 3. Or maybe you want to get enough for the next 2 years - (everything in them will be non-perishable). Perhaps you want to keep them in your car, or make it a specific family home evening activity to go hand them out. In addition, let us know if you have items already on hand you can donate (e.g. hotel toiletries).
