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 you pass on the street? A blessing bag is a small kit of useful things you can hand out with a smile and a kind word. I love that you're thinking about this.

Here's the easy first step: grab a gallon zip bag, add a pair of warm wool socks, a snack, water and a card with key numbers. In Washington's rain, socks and a poncho go a long way.

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 money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

What goes in a blessing bag?

Think small, useful and easy to carry.

• Warm wool or wool blend socks. Shelters and outreach workers often say socks are the most requested item.
• A poncho or rain cover for Washington's wet months.
• Bottled water.
• Soft, easy to eat snacks, like granola bars, applesauce pouches, crackers and peanut butter packets. Soft foods are kinder to sore teeth.
• Travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, lip balm, hand sanitizer and deodorant.
• Hand warmers in winter, sunscreen and a cap in summer.
• Period products in some bags.
• A small card with key numbers.

What should go on the key numbers card?

Print a small card, or write one by hand, with these numbers.

• 211 for shelter, food and local help. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/
• 988 for crisis support, call or text. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.562.6025.
• VA homeless veterans line: 877.424.3838. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/homeless/
• National Runaway Safeline: 800.786.2929. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.1800runaway.org/
• Washington Recovery Help Line: 866.789.1511. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://crisisconnections.org/programs/recovery-help-line/

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Laminate it

A clear packing tape cover keeps the key numbers card dry in the rain!

What should I leave out?

• Medicine of any kind, including pain relievers. People may have allergies or other conditions.
• Alcohol or anything with alcohol, including some mouthwash.
• Hard foods like nuts in shells or hard candy, which can be tough on teeth.
• Glass containers and sharp items.
• Anything that spoils quickly in heat.

How do I give with respect?

• Smile, introduce yourself and ask their name.
• Offer, don't push. It's okay if someone says no.
• Talk to people like neighbors, because they are.
• Don't take photos of people without asking.
• Stay safe. Hand bags out in daylight, in public places, and from the sidewalk rather than from a car in traffic.

A pair of socks and a kind word can remind someone that they matter.

From the Bunklow team

What do shelters need most?

Shelters and food banks are a great place to give in bulk. Call first to ask what they need most, since needs change.

• Socks, underwear and warm layers in all sizes.
• Hygiene items and period products.
• Diapers and wipes.
• Sleeping bags, blankets and tarps in winter.
• Gift cards for groceries or transit, if they accept them.

Seasonal ideas for Washington

• Fall and winter: wool socks, hats, gloves, hand warmers, ponchos and emergency blankets.
• Spring: rain gear, socks and fresh snacks.
• Summer: water, electrolyte packets, sunscreen, caps and cooling towels. During wildfire smoke, ask outreach groups if they're handing out masks.

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Make it a group project

Blessing bags are a great project for families, schools, teams and workplaces. Many hands make it fun!

Ideas for kids' bags and family bags

Families with kids have their own needs. Call a family shelter first to ask what helps.

• Diapers and wipes in different sizes.
• Kid friendly snacks, like crackers and fruit pouches.
• A small toy, book, crayons or a coloring book.
• Kid size toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Warm hats, gloves and socks in kids' sizes.
• For teens, think about earbuds, phone chargers, deodorant and period products.

Running a donation drive at work or school

A drive is a great way to help a shelter or food bank in a big way.

• Call the shelter or food bank first, and ask what they need most right now.
• Pick a start and end date, and set a goal.
• Put out labeled boxes in a busy spot.
• Share the list of most needed items.
• Drop everything off together, and thank everyone who helped.

Giving all year

Need doesn't stop after the holidays.

• Shelters and food banks often get fewer donations in spring and summer.
• Volunteering your time can help as much as giving things.
• Ask your local food bank or shelter how you can help this month.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.northwestharvest.org/

Sample budgets

Here's an example of how far your money can go. Prices change, so check stores near you.

• Small budget: socks, a snack, water and a key numbers card in each bag.
• Medium budget: add a toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes and lip balm.
• Bigger budget: add a poncho, hand warmers and a hat or gloves.

Buying in bulk and splitting packs with friends can stretch your budget a lot.

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

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!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers for your card

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. 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 21, 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 21, 2026