After WWII, the concept of care packages was developed after Arthur Ringland and Dr. Lincoln Clark identified a need to get food to loved ones in Europe. The men presented their care package idea to 22 American charities in hopes of starting a nonprofit corporation that would distribute food between continents. After many discussions with government agencies and with support from the 22 charities, the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) was incorporated in 1945.#1
Since that time, care packages continue to evolve and serve a wide variety of needs and communities. From food for the homeless community to supplies for new mothers to activity kits for children, care packages symbolize the thoughtfulness it takes to assemble them and provide a sense of community for all who receive them.
Here are a few ideas to help you continue this wonderful American tradition.
- Blessing bags for the homeless community
- Consider including snacks, drinks, gift cards or cash, toiletries, and a handwritten note.
- Chemo care packages
- Consider including gum, mints, hand sanitizer, lip balm, disposable toothbrushes, notepads, warm socks, fleece blanket, iTunes gift card, and notes of encouragement.
- Care packages for deployed military
- Consider including snacks, toiletries, games, cards, ankle socks, batteries, and a thank you note.
- Activity kits for children in foster care
- Consider including games, bubbles, journals, painting supplies, books, fidget toys, and a handwritten note.
- Nursing home care packages
- Consider including puzzle books, a craft kit, magazines, blank notecards, a coloring book and pencils, hand soap, tissue, socks, a blanket, and a thoughtful note.
- Hospital busy bags for children
- Consider including puzzles, cards, books, fidget toys, a blanket, a fun pillowcase, and a musical card.
- Hospital bags for law enforcement
- Consider including coffee, candy, tissues, hand sanitizer, car freshener, batteries, and a thank you note.
- Care packages for NICU parents
- Consider including a journal or notebook, a water bottle, coffee/food gift cards, a gas card, a swaddle wrap or small blanket, lip balm, gum, snacks, tissue, and a handwritten note of encouragement for the parents.
- Birthday boxes for the food pantry
- Consider including cake mix, frosting, candles, birthday plates, napkins, balloons, streamers, and a happy birthday card.
When you decide on your next care package project, remember you can apply for a Difference Maker Fund grant once a year to help offset the costs of your volunteer project. If approved, you will receive $200 to make a positive social impact in your community. Learn more today!
#1 care.org/about-us/our-history
