48 Winter Survival Backpacks for the Homeless

Hi, my name is Penny,

I'm reaching out to you as I can't help but think about our unhoused brothers and sisters living on the streets right now in these frigid temperatures in California. Some have only the clothes on their backs and many have pets with them. When I take my dog Jackie out in the morning for a walk I see the car windows and the ground covered in ice and I'm chilled to the bone. I cant imagine how anyone could sleep in these frigid conditions. And heavy rains are just around the corner.

Our homeless people need our help more than ever right now and these Winter Survival Backpacks tend to some of their most basic, urgent needs.

What always motivates me to raise money during extreme weather conditions is imaging my son living on the streets. I image him freezing, hungry, thirsty, scared, alone, and feeling forgotten. Then I imagine a kind stranger gifting him with one of the Winter Survival Packs I'm currently raising money for and it literally brings me to tears. That someone would want to help him in such dire conditions, possibly even saving his life (thermal blankets/rain ponchos), restores my faith in humanity.

Here is the list of items that 48 of our homeless brothers, sisters, and their pet companions will receive:

1 backpack (waterproof)

1 fleece-lined beanie

1 fleece-lined neck warmer

1 pair fleece-lined gloves

3 pairs fleece-lined thermal socks

5 hooded rain ponchos

5 mylar thermal blankets

1 flashlight

1 toiletry kit (shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb)

1 first aid kit (bandaids, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, Tylenol, tampons for women)

1 pack wet wipes (42 sheets)

5 protein bars (20 grams protein, low glycemic, gluten-free)

5 bottles water

1 small bag of dog food and treats for those with dogs

I'll be driving these up to Modesto, CA next week as I'll be visiting my sister Lori who is back in the ICU and in stage 4 liver failure. I'll be hand delivering them to the the homeless where there is incredible need. Aside from Skid Row in LA and Phoenix Arizona, it's the worst homeless crisis I've ever seen. No exaggeration, some of these poor souls are so severely emaciated that they look like they're straight out of a concentration camp.

Most clearly have extreme mental health conditions and wander aimlessly, crying, and confused. When I feel it's safe, I wrap them in thermal blankets and open a bottled of water for them. And, even though it doesn't solve their long-term needs, in that moment of heart to heart humanity, I know I'm making a difference for that one individual and the ripple effect is immeasurable.

I'll be renting a vehicle for 3 days (which I factored into the total) as I don't have room in my car for 48 filled backpacks. I plan on spending a couple of days targeting the worst hit areas and those in the most dire need.