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. Want to help someone who is having a hard time? A blessing bag is a small bag of useful things you can hand to someone in need. In Virginia, water matters in the summer heat, and warm socks matter on cold winter nights.

Here's how to make one, and how to give it kindly.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

What is a blessing bag?

A blessing bag is a zip bag or small tote with basics like water, snacks and socks. You can keep a few in your car or bag to share.

What should I put in it for Virginia?

What about winter?

Virginia winters can be cold, especially in the mountains and on windy nights. In winter, add a hat, gloves and hand warmers.

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Ask what people need

If you know a shelter or outreach team, ask what's most needed right now.

How do I give it kindly?

Make eye contact and smile. Say hello.

Respect their answer if they say no.

Where else can I help?

Food banks, shelters and day centers often need volunteers and donations. In the Richmond area, FeedMore welcomes volunteers.

In Northern Virginia, the Capital Area Food Bank does too. Dial 211 to find places near you.

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Water is a great gift

On hot days, a cold bottle of water can mean a lot.

What should I leave out?

Leave out things that spoil, medicine, and anything sharp. Skip glass bottles.

What do people need most in each season in Virginia?

Virginia's weather changes a lot from the mountains to the coast, and needs change with it. Here's a simple guide to what helps most, when.

• Winter: warm socks, gloves, hats, hand warmers and blankets.
• Spring: rain ponchos, dry socks and allergy tissues.
• Summer: water, sunscreen, hats, cooling towels and electrolyte packets.
• Fall: a light jacket, a warm hat and a flashlight for shorter days.
• All year: socks, wipes, a toothbrush and a kind note.

Where can I donate in Virginia?

If you'd like to give more than a bag, local groups can put your gift to work. Call first, because each place has its own needs and drop off times.

• Food banks, like FeedMore in central Virginia and the Capital Area Food Bank in Northern Virginia, take food, money and volunteer time.
• Shelters and day centers often need socks, underwear, towels and hygiene items.
• Domestic violence programs may need new items for families starting over.
• Dial 211 to find groups near you that need help.

Sources: https://feedmore.org/get-help/ https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/ https://211virginia.org/

How do I plan a blessing bag day with a group?

Making bags together is a lot of fun, and many hands make it go fast. Here's a simple way to plan one with your church, school, club or neighbors.

• Pick a date and a place with a big table.
• Ask a local shelter or outreach group what's needed most right now.
• Share a list so people know what to bring, and what to leave out.
• Set up the table like an assembly line, one item per spot.
• Count your bags at the end, and plan how you'll hand them out or drop them off.

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Every bag is a hug

You might never know how much one bag helped. Trust that it did.

How can kids and families help together?

Giving together is a lovely way to teach kindness.

• Let kids pick a snack or write a note for each bag.
• Sort donations together at home.
• Ask a food bank about family volunteer days.
• Talk about why everyone deserves respect.

Questions people ask a lot

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
• Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call where I live?

Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.

Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Greater Richmond

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Northern Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hampton Roads and other areas

Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.

Other local groups may also help.

My giving plan

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

Key numbers to keep

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Thank you for caring

Every small kindness matters, my friend. Thank you for helping someone today.

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. Every source was checked on October 22, 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 22, 2026