How to Make Blessing Bags

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Thank you for having such a big heart. A blessing bag is a small bag of everyday things you keep in your car or tote to hand to someone who's having a hard time. It's a simple way to say: I see you, and you matter.

This guide walks you through what to pack for California weather, from hot inland days to chilly coastal nights, what to skip, how to give kindly and safely, and how to support the local groups that serve neighbors every day.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each group decides what it can accept. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. Ask before you drop anything off.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

What should I put in a blessing bag?

Think small, useful and easy to carry. A gallon zip bag or a small drawstring bag works great.

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Pack for the season

In much of California, days can be hot while nights get cold, especially near the coast and in the mountains. Pack water and sunscreen in summer, and add socks, a beanie and an emergency blanket in winter. Easy peasy!

What should I leave out?

• Things that melt or spoil, like chocolate or anything that needs a fridge. Cars get very hot in the sun, especially in inland valleys and deserts.
• Hard or crunchy foods that are tough to chew. Softer snacks are kinder for sore teeth.
• Glass bottles and sharp things.
• Alcohol and mouthwash with alcohol.
• Cash, unless you feel good about it. A gift card for a nearby grocery or fast food spot can be a nice option.

How do I help someone who seems too hot or too cold?

Heat in California's inland valleys and deserts can be dangerous. The National Weather Service says signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cool, pale, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea and headache.

It says to move the person to a cooler place, loosen clothing, use cool wet cloths, and offer sips of water.

Heat stroke is an emergency. The National Weather Service says signs include confusion, a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red skin and fainting, and to call 911 right away.

Cold nights matter too. The National Weather Service says hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can make it. If someone seems very cold, confused or can't get warm, call 911. Dial 211 to ask about warming centers.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness and https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold

A kind word and a cold bottle of water can turn someone's whole day around. Thank you for being that person, friend.

From the Bunklow team

How do I give kindly and safely?

• Make eye contact, smile and say hello. A kind word can mean as much as the bag.
• Offer, don't push. It's OK if someone says no thank you.
• Stay safe. Hand a bag from the sidewalk or a parked spot, never from a moving car or in traffic.
• Respect privacy. Please don't take photos of people without asking.
• Share what you know. If someone asks for help, point them to 211 or this guide.

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Ask a group first

Before you shop for a group drive, call the shelter or day center. Each one decides what it can take, and they'll tell you what's needed most. You'll make it count!

How else can I help?

• Give to food banks. California food banks feed neighbors through local pantries and partners. The list later in this guide has food banks in big counties.
• Volunteer. Shelters, pantries and day centers often need helpers for meals, sorting and events.
• Share this guide. Our Find Help Near You guides list places to call in each topic. Share them with anyone who could use them.

How do I run a food drive the right way?

Food banks have safety rules, so check before you collect. Here is what two big California food banks say.

• San Diego Food Bank says it always needs nonperishable foods, like canned tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, peanut butter, beans and cereal.
• For safety reasons, it says it can't accept homemade goods, glass jars or alcohol of any kind.
• It also accepts household cleaners, pet food, baby diapers and hygiene products. Keep non food items separate from food.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/food-drives/faqs/

What is a virtual food drive, and how do I start one?

A virtual food drive collects money online instead of cans. Food banks buy food in bulk, so your gift can go further.

Here's how the San Francisco and Marin Food Bank explains it:

• You sign up and make a team page. Friends, family and coworkers give online through your link, and a meter shows how much your drive has raised.
• The food bank says it can provide two healthy meals for every $1 given.
• It no longer delivers or picks up food barrels. You can still hold a can drive and bring boxes and bags to the warehouse, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco.
• Its most needed foods are tuna and canned meat, peanut butter, soup and chili, beans, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, and rice, pasta and oats.
• It asks for no glass, nothing past its date, nothing opened, and no pet food. Pet food can go to a local animal shelter instead.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://funddrives.sfmfoodbank.org/general/faq

Where can I drop off food or bags?

Every group works a little differently, so call first.

• In Orange County, Second Harvest Food Bank says it no longer takes individual food donations directly. It asks people to bring them to a partner pantry or food drive site near them, or to try a virtual food drive.
• Many food banks also run virtual food drives, where your money buys food in bulk.
• Shelters and day centers may take blessing bags or new socks. Ask what they need most right now.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://feedoc.org/get-involved/

What do shelters really need?

Every shelter is different, so always ask first. But wish lists show what helps most.

Here's what Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles lists, as of October 18, 2026:

• Hygiene items like body soap, deodorant, lotion, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste and combs.
• New undergarments and socks for men, women and children, and baby clothes.
• Twin and full size blankets and sheets, bath and hand towels, diapers, laundry bags and detergent.
• Gently used clothing and shoes in all sizes, including extra large and tall sizes. Coats, hats and gloves are needed in winter.

Union Rescue Mission asks that used clothes be clean, ready to wear, sorted and boxed, and labeled men, women or children, and new or used. Baby items like cribs, strollers and highchairs should be new. To donate, call 213.673.4875 first and they'll tell you what's needed.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://urm.org/gifts-in-kind/

Can I save money on what I put in bags?

Yes, a little. Some kids' diapers and period products are not taxed in California.

Questions about which items count? Check the CDTFA page below.

Other items, like adult diapers, wipes, soap and socks, can still be taxed, so check your receipt.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol1/sutl/6363-9.html and https://cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol1/sutl/6363-10.html

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A kit for teen girls and moms

Pads, tampons and baby diapers are some of the most asked for items, and they're exempt from California sales tax. A small kit with pads, wipes and new underwear can mean a lot. Ask a shelter or diaper bank which sizes they need.

Can kids and teens help, too?

Yes, and it's a great way to learn kindness together. Each food bank sets its own age rules, so check first.

• San Diego Food Bank says the youngest volunteers are 11. Ages 11 to 15 come with a registered adult chaperone, 18 or older. Ages 16 and up can sign up on their own. Everyone wears closed toe shoes.
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank says standard volunteer activities are for ages 14 and up. There are no walk ins, so everyone registers online first.
• Younger kids can help at home by sorting socks, checking dates on snacks, and drawing cards with 211 and 988 on them.
• Stay together. An adult should hand out bags, and everyone stays out of traffic and in the shade.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://sandiegofoodbank.org/volunteer/ and https://www.lafoodbank.org/volunteer/

How can I help after a wildfire?

After a fire, many people want to help right away. Cal OES, the state's emergency services office, says unsolicited donations of things like food or clothing can actually overwhelm relief groups, so check what is needed before giving.

• Cash helps most. Cal OES says one need in every disaster is cash, given to a local community foundation or a trusted relief group.
• Have items but not cash? Cal OES suggests a yard sale, bake sale or car wash, and giving the money to the communities that were hit.
• Before you collect or drive in supplies, call the group first, or dial 211, and ask what they need and where to take it.
• Stay safe. Don't drive into closed or evacuated areas, and follow what local officials say.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.news.caloes.ca.gov/wildfire-disaster-relief-services-in-california-how-to-help-those-impacted-by-2021-fires/

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Needs change fast

After a disaster, what groups need can change day by day. Check their needs list again right before you shop, so nothing goes to waste.

Give to local groups that ask for items

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

• What to put in a bag
• A gallon zip bag or small drawstring bag works well.
• Add a bottle of water and easy snacks like granola bars, crackers or peanut butter packs (add a note if it has nuts).
• Care items: a toothbrush and toothpaste, wipes, lip balm, sunscreen, tissues, a comb and hand sanitizer.
• Warmth: clean new socks. In cooler months, add a hat, gloves or hand warmers.
• A small card with 211, 988 and the CalHOPE Warm Line (833.317.4673).
• How to give kindly
• Make eye contact, smile and say hello. A kind word can mean as much as the bag.
• Offer, don't push. It's okay if someone says no thank you.
• Stay safe. Hand a bag from the sidewalk or a parking spot, never from a moving car or in traffic.
• Ask a local group first. Each one decides what it can take, so check its list before you shop.

Shelters that list what they need

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Food banks in other parts of California

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My blessing bag plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to share

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Thank you, friend

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Thank you for caring about your neighbors. Make it a great day!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026