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Articles, How-To's and Interviews -
Personal Finances
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Written by Deborah Taylor-Hough
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Several years ago, a young couple from our local church was pondering
what to do about the various people they saw on street corners around
town asking for food or money.
This couple didn't want to just hand out money. They weren't sure cash
was going to be used in what they considered an appropriate manner,
but they also didn't want to ignore sincere pleas for help from those
truly in need.
After thinking and praying about it, this couple came up with a simple
idea that not only met the immediate needs of the person on the street
corner, but also met the desire of the couple to provide help in a practical
way without feeling someone might be taking advantage of their kind
hearts.
Their solution? A great little idea they dubbed "Friendship Bags."
They made up several small paper lunch bags of inexpensive and helpful
items (easy-open cans of food, juice, change for a phone call, etc.)
to carry with them in their car for those moments when someone waved
a"Homeless ... need money for food" sign next to their car
window.
Eventually word got around to the leadership of our church about this
couple's "Friendship Bags" ... and a new church ministry was
born. Now every month, a small group of dedicated volunteers get together
and make up a batch (about fifty) of Friendship Bags which are then
brought to the church and left in the foyer for anyone to take who'd
like to keep a bag or two in their car for giving out as they're driving
around town.
Each of the church's Friendship Bags contain:
--a pop-top can of fruit, or fruit cocktail
--a pop-top can of vienna sausage
--a small can of juice
--a package of cheese and crackers, or peanut butter and crackers
--a napkin and plastic fork
--a moist towelette
--one all-day bus pass
--change for a local phone call
--a coupon for a free shower at the local YMCA
--a card with a list of community contact phone numbers (crisis clinic,
food bank, Salvation Army, etc.)
--a small tract and note from the church inviting them to stop by or
call if they need any further assistance
If you've been puzzled about finding an appropriate response to the
needy on our streets, perhaps making up a few Friendship Bags of your
own might provide an answer. It makes a great family project, too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
--Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer, wife and mother of three)
is the editor of the
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and
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email newsletters. She's also the author of the bestselling
book, Frozen
Assets: how to cook for a day and eat for a month, and A
Simple Choice: a practical guide for saving your time, money
and sanity. Be sure to visit Debi online at "A Frugal, Simple Life":
http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
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