Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kevin, who writes:
I often see people on the side of the road at intersections holding signs, “homeless, can you help”, that sort of thing. Like a lot of people I used to ignore them. A few years ago I decided that I wanted to help so I looked up what items homeless people need the most. Clean socks, toiletries, and grocery store gift cards are high on the list, most of which you can get at the dollar store. Now I assemble these items in gallon-sized zip-lock bags and always keep a couple of them in the car, ready to hand out the window.
Being a radio nerd I also stay on the lookout for cheap portable radios from Amazon. I like the ones with big dials and big numbers. You might wonder if a homeless person really needs a radio, but who is to say what joy it might bring? Maybe somebody somewhere is listening to some music or a ballgame on the radio I gave them. Maybe they gave it away, but that’s up to them. I usually toss in a second set of batteries as well.
If you’re in a giving mood consider assembling a few of these bags, especially if you’re reluctant to hand out cash. You could make someone’s life a little better.
We need more people in the world like you, Kevin. What a thoughtful and considerate gift to give those in need. Like you, I’m very reluctant to hand out cash because I dislike the idea that I could inadvertently become an enabler, but I do want to help. Your care package contains items that would only assist those in need: a clean pair of socks, toiletries, basic first aid supplies, and even reading glasses.
Besides news, weather, and entertainment, a radio can provide much-needed local health and wellness information especially during the pandemic.
Besides…all we’ve got on this world is each other, right?
Thank you so much for sharing.
I don’t see the homeless that often, but when I do see them they are holding/listening to a radio. Whilst the smartphone penetration among homeless people is very high (at least here in Australia, where a phone is the only link to government services/assistance as well as homeless services), it’s uncommon for the smartphones here to have FM radio chips in them, and even if they did, AM radio is very popular in Australia, often more popular than FM music stations in ratings. Whilst you can get an unlimited call/text plan in AU for $10 a month, these come with very little data that you would not want to waste on streaming.
That zengood radio is a good choice. It gets good reception, runs on AA batteries, cheap but a good construction. I left mine out in the rain so it now sounds terrible but it still works!
Careful. The pictured hand sanitizer, manufactured in Mexico by a factory having shipped product contaminated with methanol, is on the FDA “do not use” list.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use
A little kindness goes a long way. God bless you Kevin.
If you would give those homeless a good piano, they would look for a roof above their heads!
Really great idea.
So much of this small, simple stuff goes a long way.
One suggestion; the typical white tube socks seem like a great idea, but there’s lots of info from the people that need clean socks that these are not the best choice (especially in colder climates) ; they just don’t last and aren’t warm enough.
Last year, we got in touch with an army surplus store, explained that we had a budget to buy quality socks for the homeless and got a great deal on a couple hundred pairs.