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 the Florida heat, 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.
Think small, useful and easy to carry. A gallon zip bag or a small drawstring bag works great.
A Florida blessing bag
Pack for the season
In summer, think water, sunscreen and a cooling towel. In cooler months, add a light hat or gloves. Easy peasy!
What should I leave out?
- Things that melt or spoil, like chocolate or anything that needs a fridge. Florida cars get very hot.
- 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?
Florida heat 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.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
How to make bags with friends, step by step
- Pick a day and invite friends, family, a class or your faith group.
- Ask a local shelter or day center what they need most right now.
- Make a shopping list and split it up.
- Set up an assembly line, with one item per person.
- Add a handwritten note to each bag.
- Keep a few in your car, and give the rest to a local group that accepts them.
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.
Kind things to say
"Hi, I'm [your name]. Would you like a bag with some water and snacks?"
"Is there anything you need most today?"
"Here's a card with some numbers that can help. 211 works any time."
"Take care, and have a good day."
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. Florida food banks feed neighbors through local pantries and partners. Their sites list ways to help.
- 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.
Say your class wants to make 20 bags
Say your class or club wants to make 20 bags. You could call a local shelter to ask what they need, make a shopping list, and split it up. Then assemble the bags together and drop them off at the shelter at a time they choose.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real group, and every group is different.
Is it safe to donate food in Florida?
Florida has protections for people and groups who give food in good faith to nonprofits. Questions about what they cover?
Check the official page below.
- Ask the group what food it accepts and how it should be packed.
- This is general information, not legal advice. Each group still sets its own rules about what it can take.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/768.136
Say your office wants to give leftover lunch
Say your office has sealed boxed lunches left after an event. You could call a local shelter or food pantry and ask if they accept prepared food, and how fast they need it.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real group, and every situation is different. It is not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/768.136
How do I run a food drive the right way?
Food banks and pantries have safety rules, so check with them before you collect.
Food drive checklist
What to ask before you drop off
"Hi. My group collected food and made some blessing bags. Can you use them?"
"What do you need most right now?"
"Is there anything you can't take?"
"What day and time is best to drop off?"
Where can I drop off food or bags?
Every group works a little differently, so call first. The food banks listed in this guide serve big parts of Florida.
Shelters, day centers and faith groups may also take blessing bags or new socks. Dial 211 to find groups near you.
My food drive plan
Can I get in trouble for donating food in Florida?
Check the official page linked in this guide, and ask the group what it accepts.
Should I call before a food drive?
Yes. Each food bank or pantry decides what it can accept, so ask what they need and what they can't take.
What's the most important thing in a Florida blessing bag?
Water. Florida heat can be dangerous, so a bottle or two of water is a great start.
Is it OK to give food?
Yes, if it's sealed and doesn't melt or spoil. Softer snacks are easier for people with sore teeth.
Where can I drop off extra bags?
Call a local shelter, day center or food bank first. Each group decides what it can accept.
What if someone says no thank you?
That's OK. Smile, wish them a good day, and move on kindly.
What should I do if someone looks sick from the heat?
The National Weather Service says heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 right away.
What do shelters really need?
Every shelter is different, so always ask. But wish lists show what helps most.
Here's what the Sulzbacher Center in Jacksonville lists as most needed, as of October 18, 2026:
- New hygiene products, travel and full size, and full size deodorant and body soap.
- New socks and underwear for adults and children, in all sizes.
- Feminine hygiene products, adult diapers in all sizes, wipes, and Pull Ups in size 5 and up.
- New twin sheets, blankets, towels and washcloths.
- New baby items like pack and plays, potty seats, highchairs and strollers.
Sulzbacher also asks people not to bring used toys, stuffed animals, books, DVDs or used baby gear, because some baby items may have been recalled. It isn't a thrift store, so items not on the list have to be thrown away.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.sulzbacherjax.org/donate-items/
Before you donate items
Can I save money on what I put in bags?
Yes. The Florida Department of Revenue lists diapers for all ages, plus incontinence pads and liners, as tax no cost all year.
Baby wipes are tax no cost too. During the summer Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, clothes, shoes and backpacks of $100 or less per item are also tax at no cost. In 2026, it ran July 20 to August 20.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://floridarevenue.com/rules/pdf/DR-46NT_0725.pdf and https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_23A01-09.pdf and https://www.floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Pages/default.aspx
Shop the holiday for socks
If your group plans bags for fall or winter, buy new socks, shirts and backpacks during the summer tax holiday. Every dollar goes a little further.
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.
- Feeding Tampa Bay says warehouse sorting shifts usually welcome ages 5 and up, with an adult for ages 5 to 15. Family Night sorting shifts are open to all ages. Packing grocery orders is very physical, for ages 13 and up, with an adult for ages 13 to 15.
- Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers says volunteers must be at least 14, and 14 and 15 year olds must come with an adult. All volunteering must be scheduled ahead.
- 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://feedingtampabay.org/volunteer/ and https://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/volunteer/
What to ask when you sign up a family or class
"What's the youngest age you allow, and does an adult need to come?"
"How many kids can one adult bring?"
"Is the shift indoors, and what should we wear?"
How can I help after a hurricane?
After a storm, many people want to help right away. Money usually helps groups the most, because they can buy exactly what's needed.
- The Florida Disaster Fund is Florida's private fund to help communities with disaster response and recovery. It's managed by the Volunteer Florida Foundation.
- 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 flooded or closed areas, and follow what local emergency officials say.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donate/
Florida food banks that welcome help
Here are some places to start.
Feeding South Florida
What it offers Food help in South Florida through neighborhood pantries and partner agencies, plus help with benefits.
How to reach Learn more at https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Source https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Feeding Tampa Bay
What it offers Food help in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and nearby counties. Use the Find Food map.
How to reach Find food at https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/ or call 813.254.1190.
Source https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
What it offers Food help through partners in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando.
How to reach Find food at https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food or call 407.295.1066.
Source https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food
Last checked October 16, 2026
Feeding Northeast Florida
What it offers Find no cost groceries or a hot meal at a pantry, soup kitchen, shelter or mobile distribution in Duval and nearby counties.
How to reach Search the map at https://feedingnefl.org/find-food/
Source https://feedingnefl.org/find-food/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Harry Chapin Food Bank
What it offers Food help in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers.
How to reach Call 239.334.7007.
Source https://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Farm Share
What it offers A Florida nonprofit that gets food to Florida families in need. Ask about volunteering and donating.
How to reach Call 305.246.3276. Visit https://www.farmshare.org/
Source https://www.farmshare.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Feeding the Gulf Coast
What it offers Food bank serving the Florida Panhandle and nearby Gulf Coast. Florida branch in Milton.
How to reach Call 850.626.1332. Visit https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/
Source https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
All Faiths Food Bank
What it offers Food bank based in Sarasota. Ask about food drives, volunteering and donations.
How to reach Call 941.379.6333. Visit https://allfaithsfoodbank.org/
Source https://allfaithsfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Treasure Coast Food Bank
What it offers Food bank based in Fort Pierce. Ask about food drives, volunteering and donations.
How to reach Call 772.489.3034. Visit https://www.stophunger.org/
Source https://www.stophunger.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Camillus House, item donations
What it offers Takes clothing, furniture, medical equipment and pet supplies for its Pet Kennel. For its Clothing Room and Shower program for people living on the street, men's pants and shorts in sizes 32 and 34 are especially welcome.
How to reach Donation bins at 1603 NW 7th Avenue, Miami. Items are also accepted at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120th Street, Miami. Larger donations go to the warehouse at 2020 NW 23rd Street, Miami. Call 786.299.3220 about item donations or pick up of large items.
Source https://www.camillus.org/in-kind-gifts/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Metropolitan Ministries
What it offers Helps poor and homeless families in Tampa Bay move toward stability. Its site lists ways to give, including item drop off and pick up, hosting a drive, and volunteering.
How to reach 2002 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa. Call 813.209.1000.
Source https://www.metromin.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
What it offers Shelter and drop in services in downtown Orlando. Its site lists ways to give, give monthly and volunteer.
How to reach 18 North Terry Avenue, Orlando. Call 407.652.5300.
Source https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/donate/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Sulzbacher Center
What it offers Housing, health care and children's programs in Jacksonville. It keeps a monthly wish list of new items it needs most.
How to reach Call 904.887.3761 with questions about item donations.
Source https://www.sulzbacherjax.org/donate-items/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Harry Chapin Food Bank, volunteering
What it offers Volunteer shifts for families, student groups and teams, scheduled ahead. Volunteers must be 14 or older, and 14 and 15 year olds come with an adult.
How to reach 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers. Call 239.334.7007.
Source https://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/volunteer/
Last checked October 18, 2026
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!
My plan
Key numbers to share
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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