Uplift the Soul Campaign

#UpliftTheSoul  #JSS #GiveBack #HelpInNeed #DonateCarePackages

Purpose: Being out on the streets isn’t easy. Unfortunately, thousands of people are experiencing homelessness every year, there may not be any other option. No one thinks they will end up homeless and can be traumatic when it does happen. Such people often do not have access to or cannot afford small necessities. A small care package is a great way to help out and can make a difference to someone who is trying to get back on their feet. Jainism teaches us that no living beings should be tormented, abused nor driven away and how kindness and a little bit of help can go a very long way.

What is a care package? These packages are easy to make, cost around $10-$15 each and are handy enough to keep in your car. You can choose to hand them out whenever you see someone living on the street or donate them to a local homeless shelter.

These care packages can include one or more items from the following categories.

Warmth and Comfort

  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Hand Warmer Packs
  • Compact rain poncho

Food

  • Water/Juice box/sports drink
  • Granola bars
  • Dried fruit
  • Apple sauce

Hygiene Items

  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Kleenex
  • Sunscreen or lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Hand wipes
  •  Feminine hygiene products

First Aid

  • Bandages

What not to donate

  • Medications like Tylenol or Advil.
  • Cash

Don’t forget to finish off your care package with a message of kindness.

How to donate?

Hand the packages to the homeless directly, do not toss it out your car window or throw it to them when walking by on the street. Put the packages in a clear Ziploc bag, preferably with a list of what the items are so they know exactly what they are getting. Wear a smile! Kindness is your biggest asset, and even if they do not need every single item at the moment or at all the effort you put into helping will be worthwhile. They are human too and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Let’s celebrate this Mahavir Jayanti in a special way by putting into action what Bhagwan Mahaveer taught us: Anukampa, empathy towards all living beings.

So, please fill up this form and take a vow by this Mahavir Jayanti to donate such care packages in 2021. Each care package will not take more than 10 minutes and $10 to spread kindness and compassion around us.