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How to Make Blessing Bags in Oklahoma: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips

A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in Oklahoma, with CDC food, heat and cold safety tips, a 211 card, and what the Homeless Alliance asks donors to bring.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

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Hi friend. A small bag with water, snacks and a few basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. Oklahoma has hot summers and cold winters, so pack for the season and keep it simple.

Dial 211 Call or text 988

Quick answers

What food is safe to put in a bag?

Pick foods that do not need a fridge. CDC says never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90 degrees. So skip anything that must stay cold, like meat, cheese or yogurt.

Official page: cdc.gov/food-safety/prevention/index.html

What should I add for hot weather?

Water matters most. CDC says to drink more water than usual and not wait until you're thirsty. Add a note about cool places like malls and libraries. Muscle cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care.

Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html

What should I add for cold nights?

CDC suggests a hat, a scarf, and mittens or gloves. Layers and water resistant clothing help. Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.

Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html

What info card should I include?

Write a small card that says: dial 211, any time. Eastern Oklahoma can also text a zip code to 877 836 2111 on weekdays. Add 988 for crisis support. In Oklahoma City, add the WestTown Day Shelter at 1729 NW 3rd Street, 405 415 8410. In Tulsa, add the Tulsa Day Center at 415 West Archer Street, 918 583 5588.

Official page: 211eok.org

Can I drop off donations in Oklahoma City?

The Homeless Alliance takes donations on weekdays, 9 am to 3:30 pm, at its Resource Center. Its most urgent needs include deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, sneakers and work boots. It says it does not need socks and does not take weekend or holiday donations. Questions go to inkind@homelessalliance.org.

Official page: homelessalliance.org/donate-items

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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Use a gallon bag or small backpack.
Add bottled water and snacks that do not need a fridge.
In winter add a hat, gloves and a scarf. In summer add extra water.
Put in a card with 211 and 988.
Check what a local group needs before giving in bulk.

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: ask before you give in bulk. The Homeless Alliance says it does not need socks, so a few things in a bag may help more than a big pile at a shelter door.