The Stuffed “Shirt” Project

HELP THE HOMELESS LIVING
IN SHELTERS IN YOUR AREA

Many homeless people find themselves moving from one shelter to another, carrying their clothes and other possessions the only way they can -- in trash bags.  They also have limited and inconsistent access to personal care items, like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, etc. 

You can help!  Either create an “event” and work as a group or do the project on your own.

Gather your friends, family, co-workers, etc. and ask them to each bring either:

• a new or gently used soft suitcase
• a duffel bag
• a backpack
• a large sized toiletries or cosmetics bag
• OR a clean, new or gently worn XL t-shirt

Also, ask your participants to bring small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soaps, wash cloths, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, body lotions, shaving cream and any other personal care items you might think of to your event. Consider also including kid’s shampoo and conditioner as well as kid’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Making a Baby Bag is another option… Participants can fill a clean, gently used diaper bag with any or all of the following:

• clean baby clothes
• wipes
• diaper cream
• a changing pad
• a cuddly small blanket
• a new pacifier and/or bottle
• small baby toy

1: Have each participant pack the soft suitcases, bags etc. with the personal care items, OR
2: Lay the t-shirts out flat, and put the personal care items in the center of the t-shirts. Wrap the shirt up around the items like a sack/bag, and tie it with a ribbon or string.

You might find that swapping and sharing the personal care items will ensure that each t-shirt "bag" or suitcase has variety. For a nice personal touch, you can make a label with a good will wish and attach it to the ribbon or string, or the handle of the suitcase, etc.  If you made a baby bag, please attach a label to the handle of the bag indicating what age baby the clothes inside are for (e.g. 6-9 months).

Please contact us at pkoner@family-to-family.org before your event so that we can link you and your group to a local shelter where you can bring your donations.