Social Action on the Street

This year, Unity's World Day of Prayer (September 10, 2009) includes a spiritual social action component. Participants are encouraged to reach in for guidance through prayer and then to reach out to improve their community. One Daily Word® reader in Florida has developed an inspirational way to use Daily Word messages in her own social action work.

By Kathy Zachmann

Every winter, Florida has an influx of visitors. Some of the most heart-wrenching visitors are the homeless people who come to Florida to escape the cold weather. More often than not, they are men who look very thin.

After years of wishing I could help them, I came up with “street packs”—baggies with supplies in them that I can carry in a convenient way. I thought about what items would be of help to me if I were homeless. I realized that I would need food and maybe the ability to wash my face and brush my teeth.

I used to wonder how I could give these people food from my car when I would see them on the street. With some, I offered to go to the nearest fast food restaurant and bring food back. When they were on an interstate off-ramp, getting back to them could be difficult.

The bags have turned out to be an easy and convenient way to help others. I have given out dozens of bags in the last few years. It costs me about $55 to make up six bags. I shop at dollar stores for many of the items.

Each quart-size baggie contains one washcloth, one hand sanitizer, an energy bar, a travel toothbrush with toothpaste, a handful of mint candies and a $5 gift card from a fast food restaurant. Finally, I always include a page from Daily Word. I write on that page, “God loves you very much and so do I.”

The first person I came across was surprised and confused when I handed him a baggie rather than money. When I told him that inside the bag was a gift card for a fast food restaurant, he started crying. He said he hadn't had anything to eat since the day before. I've seen him twice in the three years since I began passing out the bags.

I've met many others. One person I never saw, but I went ahead and dropped a bag in a cart filled with sparse worldly possessions.

I wanted to tell you (Unity) how wonderful I feel sharing the Word and a bit of food with those who are less fortunate. Daily Word easily slips into a street bag. I always keep one bag in my car and my fiancé does as well.
 

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