Kesher KC Care Bags are an extension of the food pantry program at JFS. These bags were initially developed for staff to give to members of the community that come to JFS seeking services from our food pantry without an appointment (“walk-in” clients). This allows us to meet immediate food needs for potential clients, until we can assess them to connect with our full array of services.
Kesher KC Care Bags are now available for people who wish to assist people they encounter in the broader community who may be experiencing homelessness and/or need a meal. You can keep Kesher KC Care Bags in your car or take them with you on foot to give out whenever the opportunity arises. Giving a Care Bag is an opportunity to provide food for another person who is struggling, while treating them with dignity and respect.
What’s in the Kesher KC Care Bag?
Each bag contains food for a day that is relatively easy to heat, serve, and eat. No can opener needed. Items in the bag are common foods that most people enjoy and include a fruit, vegetables, and protein. Each bag also includes a guide to local community connections that provide hot meals and other resources.
When you give a Care Bag…
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- Be respectful. This person may not need or be able to take the Care Bag. Recognize that every person and situation is different and they may not want what you are offering.
- If you are in your car, open your window and say hi. Take a moment and slip the bag out your window to someone on a street corner or freeway ramp.
- Smile. This person probably gets ignored by hundreds of people every day.
- Make eye contact. It shows the person they matter.
- Be available to have a conversation. If you are on foot, you can take the time to talk. Some people won’t want to interact, so be sensitive. Others will be delighted to tell you their story.
- Be wise. The majority of homeless men and women in our community are not dangerous — they’re people just like the rest of us. But you should always be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that you feel might put you at risk.
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What you could add to your bag… (consider adding one or two of the following)
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- Water bottle
- Warm socks, gloves, or hand warmer (in the winter)
- Hand wipes or pack of tissues
- Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush & toothpaste, band aids, chap stick, comb, brush, nail clippers
- Mints, cough drops, or gum
- Misc items like: ear plugs, batteries, sunscreen
- A few dollars (this is a personal choice – there is no right or wrong answer)
- Bus pass or gas card
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Volunteer Opportunities
Contact volunteer@jfskc.org to schedule a date to pack Care 
Bags or to host a drive for items in the Care Bags!
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“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”
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— Fred Rogers
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