A friend of mine and I are planning to craft a few items and bake some goods with our children, to take to the children of a local shelter for homeless families for Valentine’s. We’re still getting the logistics of the children (we’re told no more than 50 live at this particular shelter), but it dawned on me about the age differences. We were going to make heart shaped multi-colored crayons and sidewalk chalk. Great idea – if all the kids were in elementary school!!! Does anyone have any ideas for MS / HS kids? I don’t want them to be left out. What about the little ones (newborn – Pre-K)? This is something that we’re planning on doing out of pocket – so we’re trying to avoid the stuffed animal / box of chocolates route. I’m sure if I can get some ideas, I could post on FB for supplies from families and friends. So put on your crafty caps and help this M. out! Thanks in advance!!!
Sugar cookies in the shape of a heart baked on a popsicle stick. You can make them thick enough so that they will hold up on the stick and then you can cover them with a baggie and use curling ribbon. They are extra cute and the children can eat them. They're fun to make and also a novelty to receive.
Infants, pacifiers or little blankets. You can make cheap and easy ones with fleece.
Older kids, how about hand knotted friendship type bracelets (they are back in style) or bookmarks? Cheap and easy, and you can make them in a variety of colors and styles so kids can choose one they like that matches their style
One thing our church did for children in a foster group home, was made them all pillowcases. We did lots of different colors and fabrics and they chose their own. So many kids don't even have a basic pillow to call their own. They loved them and it was a relatively easy and inexpensive project. Especially if you do them travel pillow size and stuff them with the travel or mini pillows.
Socks work for all ages, people at shelters typically need and welcome socks. Maybe not your idea of a "fun" item for them, but it would be a thoughtful gift. Otherwise I would ask the people running the shelter for ideas.
God bless : )
kids who stay at shelters love to get stuff but keep in mind that they do not always have the ability to store "stuff" things that are usable are the best. soaps, nice shampoo, conditioner, body wash in small containers that fit in a bookbag or totebag skip the toy stuff. i would go with heart shaped cookies etc. keep in mind that things that are consumable area always a treat.
Look at Oriental Trading for some ideas.
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/shared/sharedFlowContro...
