How to Make Blessing Bags in Arizona

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 Arizona, water and sun protection matter most.

This guide shows what to pack, how to give, and where else you can help.

H2O

Water firstHeat is dangerous.

SUN

Sun careHats and sunscreen.

211

Dial 211Share the number.

GIVE

Give kindlyA smile goes far.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

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?

It's a bag with a few things that help someone get through the day. You can keep a few in your car or by your door, ready to share.

How to make one

Pick a sturdy bag, like a zip bag or small backpack.
Add water and things for the heat.
Add a few snacks that won't melt.
Add hygiene items.
Add a card with 211 and other helpful numbers.

What should I put in it for Arizona?

A good Arizona blessing bag

Bottled water, or a reusable bottle.
Electrolyte packets.
A hat or a cooling towel.
Sunscreen and lip balm.
Socks.
Snacks that won't melt, like crackers or granola bars.
Wipes and hand sanitizer.
A card with 211, 988 and local help.

What about winter?

In the high country, like Flagstaff, winter nights get very cold. Add warm socks, gloves, a hat and an emergency blanket.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask what people need

Shelters and food banks know what's most needed. Call and ask before you shop.

How do I give a bag kindly?

Smile, say hello, and ask if they'd like it.
Respect a no.
Don't take photos.
Ask their name, if it feels right. A kind word can mean a lot.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What you might say

"Hi, I'm (name). I put together a bag with some water and snacks. Would you like one?"

"There's a card in there with numbers for help, too."

Where else can I help?

Food banks and shelters always need volunteers and donations. In the Phoenix area, there's St.

Mary's Food Bank and United Food Bank. In southern Arizona, there's the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Call to ask how you can help.

How can my group help?

Make bags together at work, school or church. Each person can bring one item.

Then share the bags, or give them to a shelter.

EXAMPLE

Say your family wants to help in Mesa this summer

You could make ten bags with water, electrolyte packets, sunscreen and snacks. You could give a few to people you see, and drop the rest at a shelter or food bank.

What should I watch for in the heat?

On very hot days, people outside can get sick fast. If someone seems confused, stops sweating, or passes out, call 911 right away.

While you wait, help them get to shade and offer water if they can drink.

BUNKLY TIP

Water is the best gift

On a hot day, a cold bottle of water can mean the world.

How can I share this guide?

Print a few copies, or share the link with friends, churches and groups. Put one in each blessing bag.

Someone may need the numbers inside.

Questions people ask a lot

Is it OK to give money?

That's up to you. A bag is another way to help.

Should I include medicine?

No. Leave medicine out.

Can kids help?

Yes. Kids can help pack and decorate bags.

What if someone says no?

That's OK. Smile and wish them well.

Where can I drop off extra items?

Call a shelter or food bank and ask.

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.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

BUNKLY TIP

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 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

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 in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona Food Bank Network

What it offers Links food banks and pantries across all 15 Arizona counties. Use its map to find food near you.

How to reach Call 602.528.3434, or find food at https://www.azfoodbanks.org/

Source https://www.azfoodbanks.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona crisis lines (AHCCCS)

What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are for anyone, with or without coverage.

How to reach Call or text 988, or call the line for your county: Maricopa and Pinal, Mercy Care at 800.631.1314. Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Yuma, 866.495.6735. Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai, 877.756.4090.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

St. Mary's Food Bank

What it offers A large food bank serving the Phoenix area and much of Arizona, with food boxes and partner pantries.

How to reach Call 602.242.3663. Main site: 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix.

Source https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

United Food Bank

What it offers A food bank serving the East Valley and eastern Arizona, through partner pantries and food sites.

How to reach Call 480.926.4897. Office: 245 S. Nina Dr., Mesa.

Source https://unitedfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

What it offers Food for people in need across southern Arizona, through its own sites and partner pantries.

How to reach Call 520.622.0525. Main site: 3003 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson.

Source https://www.communityfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Primavera Foundation

What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.

How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Source https://primavera.org/contact/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.