-2 T-Shirts, a large and a medium
-3 pairs of sox
-1 reusable water bottle
-1 can of sunscreen
-1 can of bug repellent
-1 Survival Parachute cord bracelet
-1 toothbrush
-1 toothpaste
-1 floss
-1 deodorant
-1 pair of tweezers
-1 fingernail clippers
-1 advil packet
-1 fishing line (we use 10lb test)
-1 pack of hooks (for worms or crickets)
-1 pack of weights for fishing
-4 boxes of fireproof matches
-2 carabiners
-1 flint fire-starter
-1 snake/spider bite kit
-1 small sewing kit
-1 some type of water purifiers
-2 Nature Vally Bars (because they don't melt)
-4 packs of Oreos (DOUBLE STUFFED)
-2 cans of heart healthy soup
-1 Pocket Knife (THE MOST IMPORTANT)
A lady was holding up a sign that said "Anything will help" so i pulled up to her, pulled out the box, and she exclaimed "Its like Christmas in the Summer!"
i encourage everyone who reads this to make a box and keep it readily available.
If we are not making life better for someone else then what are we doing?
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| Patricia |
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ReplyDeleteSomething else to consider for the box: New underwear still in the package
ReplyDeleteThe reality is many homeless end up with donated items that we don't want anymore. It could be something we've worn out or something we don't exactly want to be seen in anymore ("Beat Bama Again" shirts come to mind). Thankfully underwear doesn't go into the category of hand-me-downs, but that may mean that they go without for a long time.
I really like the idea of creating a box for the car. It makes it so much easier to help someone out instead of doing the easy thing of ignoring.
I work in the nonprofit field in Greensboro, NC and spent many years serving the homeless population. We used this idea and it worked really well. Sometimes, we would put a few items in one ziplock bag to hand out. Other items might be chap stick, peanut butter or canned tuna (seriously, they need the protein as their skin takes a beating in the elements) and blankets in the winter.
ReplyDeleteWhat you're doing is amazing! Thank you for using your gifts to minister and serve the less fortunate. As a mom if a high school senior and a 3rd grader... It encourages me that they have peers like you to look up to!
Impressive young man. You're simply amazing and an exceptional role model.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is such an awesome idea! I will definitely have to try that out!
ReplyDeleteJohn Luke - What criteria do you use when electing to give a supply box to someone? Considering we often observe needy folks standing at intersections or on street corners, it becomes almost impossible to give every less fortunate individual a full box of supplies. There is also the element of getting people jobs in order to become self-sufficient, especially when there are a number of stores looking for jobs nearby. Are there any characteristics that you look for when trying to help a person in need? Thank you! - JT
ReplyDeleteTypically a person who looks like they are in rough shape and are standing on street corner holding a sign are my candidates. The whole entire box is not meant to be given. i tell them when i pull up they can take whatever they need but to keep in mind the next guy might need something too. i have only had one person take everything, but he looked like he needed it.
Deletei don't believe in hand-outs. i don't typically give money or anything expensive. It is impossible to give every individual a full box of supplies, a job, and to make them self-sufficient, that is not the purpose for this. The box is meant to be things that will just make life a little easier.
i always try to stop if i can.
It only takes 5 minutes.
i would much rather give to someone who doesn't need it then to pass up somebody does.
-i hope this helps!
I appreciate the insight. Your box method is practical without treading down the slippery slope of hand-outs. Channeling Christian generosity is something we need more of up here in Massachusetts! -JT
DeleteI love this idea and how awesome to actually ask the people you're helping what would be good ideas to include
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, and I love the values you are modeling to youth in America!
ReplyDeleteJohn Luke,
ReplyDeletemy name is Tyler Mcferran. To be honest, you have probably seen a lot, if not then all, of my comments on twitter and including on your blog. You have re-tweeted and favorited a handful of my tweets and hopefully have gotten this chance to read a few of these comments. I just wanted to let you know, though, these comments are not any sort of scam. I really did send letters down to White Ferry Road church and Lori Easterly put them in Al's mail box he has down there and I asked her if she knew if he had taken them by any chance. She told me the letters were gone so he must have taken them. I know it may be impossible to find them by now since it has been a little while but with your permission, I would be more than happen to resend them again. Also, you posted on twitter that we can email Jess@wmeentertainment.com if we have a fun event we would like you to attend. I emailed this woman, however, it was not about an event. It was simply personal and I hope you get the chance to read it. If you are reading this then I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and you may contact me by this email address or on twitter:
email: tylermcferran@outlook.com
twitter: @Freak8Ski
I'll also go ahead and post this comment on all the blog pages so you can have a better chance to see it. Not trying to be annoying towards you, just want for you to be able to get the chance to read my comments.
ReplyDelete-Thanks man and take care.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the great idea! Question, how many mission trips have you been on and where? If there's to many to count that's fine! I have a passion for missions and would love to hear some of your stories! This story is a great example on how mission is everywhere and that the littlest things make the biggest impact!
ReplyDeleteI've been to a lot of places. I will be posting about this summers mission trips to Dominican and Nicaragua soon!Thanks for reading
DeleteI can't wait to read! I love your blog, it's nice to read someone that's around the same age as I, yet famous still has a huge heart for Christ. It's kind of my devotional in a way. So keep the great stories coming. Twitter - @jiffyknight
DeleteHey John Luke! Love what you and your family stands for! We'd love to send you some shirts from walk in love. a Christian brand!
ReplyDeleteYou could also put a mini Bible in there!
ReplyDeleteAnd a string bag in case they don't have anything to put it in.
DeleteThanks for sharing this experience, I think that this is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhen I see people on the side of the street, I always want to help, but it's hard to know what to give them that would work the most effectively.
This seams like a great method, I plan on mentioning it to my family so we can keep one of these boxes in our car.
Thanks again!
Wow! What an excellent & particularly easy way to serve, & on a daily basis! I will definitely be doing this over Christmas break. Thank you John Luke. I do have a question though, since this blog post was a little farther back this year. Has anyone you've given items to requested anything else since then? Like anything new to add to the list? It is Christmas time so I was thinking about putting some Christmas candy in there too! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteBett Reagin
Hey there! I just found your blog today and saw this post. This is a incredible idea! I've always wanted to help the less fortunate I just never knew what they might need. Thank you for this. You and your family seem like such good people! Hope you all had a merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete